September 16th 2015 Red Tide Conditions
By Tyler Thorsen
Via the National Park Service and Padre Island National Seashore 
Current Red Tide Conditions The number of fish washing ashore is growing; photos were taken first thing this morning. We are now receiving reports of mullets, sheepheads, needle fish, and eels washing ashore. Red Tide blooms can last days, weeks, or even months and can change with the weather. Fish are killed by the toxins of these Red Tide blooms, but oysters, clams, mussels, and whelks can be toxic without showing any signs. Mammals can be affected by the toxins released by the blooms. In some cases when a coyote eats fish that washed ashore it can make them sick or even may kill them. Some smaller children will be affected and even pets such as dogs because their lungs are more sensitive than others. Word of Caution during Red Tide: Adults and children with respiratory conditions, please avoid making a trip to or near the beach during Red Tide conditions. If you do decide to take the risk, carry a rescue inhaler with you. If conditions worsen for you seek shelter in an air conditioned building until the respiratory attack passes. People in general affected by the bloom may suffer from coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes; symptoms are temporary. If you still want to go swimming at beach during Red Tide, please take caution. If you start to have burning eyes and skin irritation, please get out of the water and rinse off in fresh water. It is a good idea, if your skin in easily irritated or have eczema, to avoid getting into the water during Red Tide. Also when picking your location to set up on the beach, avoid areas with numerous dead fish. Decomposing fish can increase the bacteria level in that area. You also, do not want to take a chance on stepping on a fish bone and cutting yourself, this will most likely lead to an infection. If you already have a wound it can easily get infected by the waters. Remember this is just a word of caution, and we will keep Facebook updated about the conditions of Red Tide. #RedTide (NPS Photo)
Current Red Tide Conditions The number of fish washing ashore is growing; photos were taken first thing this morning. We are now receiving reports of mullets, sheepheads, needle fish, and eels washing ashore. Red Tide blooms can last days, weeks, or even months and can change with the weather. Fish are killed by the toxins of these Red Tide blooms, but oysters, clams, mussels, and whelks can be toxic without showing any signs. Mammals can be affected by the toxins released by the blooms. In some cases when a coyote eats fish that washed ashore it can make them sick or even may kill them. Some smaller children will be affected and even pets such as dogs because their lungs are more sensitive than others. Word of Caution during Red Tide: Adults and children with respiratory conditions, please avoid making a trip to or near the beach during Red Tide conditions. If you do decide to take the risk, carry a rescue inhaler with you. If conditions worsen for you seek shelter in an air conditioned building until the respiratory attack passes. People in general affected by the bloom may suffer from coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes; symptoms are temporary. If you still want to go swimming at beach during Red Tide, please take caution. If you start to have burning eyes and skin irritation, please get out of the water and rinse off in fresh water. It is a good idea, if your skin in easily irritated or have eczema, to avoid getting into the water during Red Tide. Also when picking your location to set up on the beach, avoid areas with numerous dead fish. Decomposing fish can increase the bacteria level in that area. You also, do not want to take a chance on stepping on a fish bone and cutting yourself, this will most likely lead to an infection. If you already have a wound it can easily get infected by the waters. Remember this is just a word of caution, and we will keep Facebook updated about the conditions of Red Tide. #RedTide (NPS Photo)
Scientifically the alga is known as Karenia brevis and the unfortunate problem with it is that waterborne toxins produced by it coat the fish’s gills and cut off their ability to extract oxygen. The result can be fish kills that in worst case scenarios can cause hundreds of thousands of dead fish along Texas beaches. A small fish kill was reported north of the park at Packery Channel late Sunday. So far the park has not experienced a fish kill. Another side effect of red tide blooms is that when concentrations reach high enough levels, the toxins in the water get aerosolized as the waves break and the wind picks it up. The resultant toxins can cause coughing and sneezing. Anyone with respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD should avoid the beach. Dogs, with their keen sense of smell can be especially sensitive. If aerosol levels are elevated enough to cause even minor breathing issues for you, you should not subject your dog to it. Park science staff are reporting elevated levels of the alga in the waters along the northern park boundary while readings a few miles south are coming in as OK. Note that the bloom is spreading from east Texas to the west and south so keep in touch with this park page for the latest updates so that you can make the best decisions about your visit. If conditions worsen, additional information will be posted.
"Median Mogul" Billy Sandifer 