SUBJECT: # 39452: Red Tide around Clearwater, Florida???

Submitted by UFM82 from OHIO on 3/27/05 10:51:00 PM

Hey guys,
I'd heard that there was a red tide going on around Clearwater- what's the scoop? How long might it last if it is indeed happening? How long does it take for the fishing to return if it does happen?

I'm headed to Hudson during the second week of June and this scared me. Does anyone have any info?

Thanks a bunch.

UFM82

1. 3/28/05 9:29:00 PM Submitted by Pier#r (68.63.23.170) from ALABAMA says FL Redtide Status Report
   "RED TIDE CURRENT STATUS REPORT (March 25)

   Present Status: The Florida red tide bloom off the coast of southwest Florida is still present alongshore between Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Alongshore samples collected this week from the bloom area contained very low to medium concentrations of Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism. No positive counts were found south of Sarasota Bay. No offshore samples were received, but dead fish were reported early in the week offshore of Fort Myers. Dead fish and birds (2 pelicans) were also reported in lower Tampa Bay. No reports of respiratory irritation were received. Additional dead manatees were recovered this week (total since March 4 is 41); cause of death is suspected to be red tide related. Southwesterly winds are forecast for this weekend, which could contribute to more noticeable effects, such as fish kills or respiratory irritation, at the beaches and coastal areas."

   http://www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12373

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2. 4/2/05 5:57:00 PM Submitted by Gary (70.177.199.204) from VIRGINIA says Fish OK 30 March
   Went out 30 March, while on vacation, on Sarasota Bay and caught about 20 trout from 12 to 15 inches and 10 lady fish from 1.5 to 3 pounds. I did not see any evindence of fish kill.

   GEL

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