A22: Yes. This was identified as the third greatest threat to the Florida manatee, but it is localized primarily to the southwest part of the State. However, when combined with the top two threats, potential loss of warm water habitat and watercraft-related mortalities, it worsens the effects of the other two threats in that part of the State. A23: Yes. However, there are no data at this time to indicate that harassment is limiting the recovery of the Florida manatee.

A red tide is a higher-than-normal concentration of a microscopic alga (plant-like organisms). In Florida, the species that causes most red tides is Karenia brevis. This organism produces a toxin that can affect the central nervous system of fish. At high concentrations (called a bloom), the organisms may discolor the water. However, red tides are not always red. They can appear greenish, brownish, and even purple in color. The water can even remain its normal color during a bloom.

A red tide bloom needs biology (the organisms), chemistry (natural or man-made nutrients for growth), and physics (concentrating and transport mechanisms). No one factor causes it. Tests are being conducted to see if coastal nutrients enhance or prolong blooms.

Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally coughing, sneezing and teary eyes. These are usually temporary when red tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the affects, and using over-the-counter antihistamines may decrease your symptoms. Check the marine forecast. Fewer toxins are in the air when the wind is blowing offshore.

You can call the Aquatic Toxins toll free hotline at 1-888-232-8635. It is staffed 24/7 by medical professionals. If symptoms are severe, call your local doctor.

Red tide is a naturally-occurring, higher-than-normal concentration of the microscopic algae Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve). This organism produces a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish so that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe. As a result, red tide blooms often result in dead fish washing up on Gulf beaches.

The eye and throat irritation caused by red tide results from high concentrations of the algae and rough surf. These conditions cause the red tide's irritant to become suspended in the air in the salt spray. There is typically little or no irritation when surf conditions are relatively calm. In most red tides in Texas, these conditions vary a lot within the space of days or even hours.

Florida red tide blooms can last days, weeks, or months and can change daily due to wind conditions. Onshore winds normally bring it near the shore and offshore winds drive it out to sea. No. Red Tides, or Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), occur worldwide. Karenia brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida, off the coast of North Carolina, and recently in Delaware.

Most people can swim in Florida red tide but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming near dead fish is not recommended.

Red tides or Harmful Algal Blooms occur worldwide. K. brevis is found almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico but has been found on the east coast of Florida and off the coast of North Carolina.

Most people can swim in red tide but it can cause skin irritation and burning eyes. If your skin is easily irritated, avoid red tide water. If you experience irritation, get out and thoroughly wash off with fresh water. Swimming near dead fish is not recommended.

Commercial seafood found in restaurants and grocery stores is safe because it comes from red tide free water and is monitored by the government for safety.

Red tide is a natural phenomenon not caused by human beings. When temperature, salinity, and nutrients reach certain levels, a massive increase in Karenia brevis algae occurs. No one knows the exact combination of factors that causes red tide, but some experts believe high temperatures combined with a lack of wind and rainfall are usually at the root of red tide blooms. There are no known ways that humans can control it, but many scientists around the world are studying red tide at present.

Call the red tide phone information line mentioned above -- dial (800) 792-1112, at the menu select fishing and then red tide, or call the Texas Parks and Wildlife Kills and Spills Team at (512) 912-7055.

Karenia brevis, or Florida red tide, kills fish by producing a potent toxin (called brevetoxin) that affects the central nervous system of the fish. The toxin can also affect birds, mammals, and other marine animals.

Symptoms from breathing red tide toxins are normally coughing, sneezing, and teary eyes. Symptoms are usually temporary when red tide toxins are in the air. Wearing a particle filter mask may lessen the effects, and research shows that using over-the-counter antihistamines may decrease your symptoms. Fewer toxins are in the air when the wind is blowing offshore.