What is a red tide?
The dinoflagellates produce toxins such as satitoxin and brevetoxin which the fish then eats, and dies. The term red tide is not related to a tide that is caused by the Moon, so scientists use the term algae bloom more often. The cause is not clear. In some places it is natural, while in others it is caused by humans.
A red tide is a type of oceanic algae bloom which is characterized by a red tinge in the water. Some of the algae involved in a red tide are harmful to fish, and can cause fish to die off. Several species are also dangerous for humans, and can cause symptoms ranging from discomfort to serious illness. Most nations keep a watch on their marine environments so that they can notify citizens when the water is unsafe due to a red tide. A red tide happens when naturally occurring algae bloom, or grow very quickly and accumulate into a large mass. While this mass of algae is harmless in many cases, it can look startling because certain phytoplankton in the algae bloom are red, and can cause the water to change color. In other instances, the red tide is harmful because it harbors organisms like Alexandrium tamarense and Dinophysis norvegica, which can release toxins when they are consumed. Biologists test the water to determine whether or not the red tide is dangerous. As we have seen, a red t
Although its name sounds like a low-budget horror movie, you won’t find “Red Tide” at a theater near you. To take in this natural phenomenon, you’ll have to venture to the ocean, because red tide — or more scientifically, HAB or harmful algae bloom — occurs when a harmful variety of algae reproduces so densely that the water appears red, yellowish-brown or green from the high concentrations of photosynthetic pigments.
Red Tide caused by Dinoflagellates off the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier, La Jolla California.Credit Wikipedia Although its name sounds like a low-budget horror movie, you won’t find “Red Tide” at a theater near you. To take in this natural phenomenon, you’ll have to venture to the ocean, because red tide – or more scientifically, HAB or harmful algae bloom – occurs when a harmful variety of algae reproduces so densely that the water appears red, yellowish-brown or green from the high concentrations of photosynthetic pigments. Explained Michael Arthur, a Penn State geosciences professor with research expertise in marine ecosystems, most varieties of algae are harmless and occupy an essential tier of the food chain. The algae responsible for red tide, however, is one of a few dozen species of phytoplankton called dinoflagellates that, under the right conditions, produce toxins. The level of toxicity depends on the specific algal variety involved, with the most dangerous speci
