Red Tide

Red Tide

Red tide has recently happened off the coast of Florida. By spring, it usually disappears. Since the 1800s, it has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. Burning skin, rashes, itchy eyes, and skin irritations can all result from swimming in or near red tide waters.

What is Red Tide?

Red tide is an algal bloom. The ocean plants that live in the sea grow uncontrollably, resulting in a bloom. Red tide refers to the bloom of reddish-colored algae. It has negative effects on people as well as fish and marine mammals.

What causes the Red Tide?

Karenia brevis, a toxic algal species, causes red tide. When the algae develop blooms and multiply rapidly, the water turns reddish-brown as a result. Brevetoxins, which are made by the algae and can harm humans, are fatal to aquatic life. It could also obstruct sunlight and diminish the oxygen levels in the water. Between 2017 and 2018, it caused the deaths of nearly 2,000 tonnes of marine life.

Red tide occurs when?

That happens during the summer and spring when the sunshine is apt. The water is warm and moves slowly at this time. Also, the rivers are devoid of ice, which adds extra nutrients to the sea, making the water rich in nutrients. Where there is a combination of brackish and marine water, the algal bloom is always more prevalent.

Does India experience algal bloom? Why does India’s west coast experience greater algal bloom than its east coast?

Yes. Algal blooms are more likely to occur on India’s west coast. In India, algal blooms are caused by diatoms, cyanobacteria, haptophytes, and raphiphytes. During the southwest monsoon’s retreat and also during the pre-monsoon season, the majority of algal blooms take place. The temperature and weather conditions are more favourable than on the east coast. Due to the greater number of rivers that drain from it, the east coast is more nutrient-rich than the west coast. On the west coast, however, the temperature and water current are more favourable. As a result, the west coast of India experiences greater algal blooms.

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