Red Tide Research Paper

Red Tide Even though red tide has been around for thousands of years it is yet still unaware to some common day people. Many people do not understand the effects of red tide to the environment around us and how it plays out; there is more to red tides than just discoloration of the ocean waters. Scientists and researchers are digging deeper into the reasons of why and how this phenomenon occurs. Red tide is often overlooked despite its harmful effects, but it can be as costly and damaging as other natural disasters.
Red tide starts by organisms called dinoflagellates (also known as algae or plankton) that quickly populate faster than normal due to high salinity in the oceans, thus causing the reddish-brown tint to the water. Karenia Brevis is the specific type of dinoflagellate that is the toxic contributor to the red tides. Dinoflagellates are always present in the ocean water, but when the water is polluted by hurricanes, tornadoes, or other tropical storms, it can cause these organisms to “bloom” or reproduce rapidly (Gunter). E. Lynn Wright in Disasters and Heroic Rescues of Florida explains that these algae lurk around in coastal waters but populate too many miles offshore to be controlled before a red tide occurs. Many scientists thought of ways of trying to control a red tide like dumping a …show more content…
The air becomes exposed to semi-poisonous gas, this causes people to cough and their eyes become irritated. People with asthma, lung problems, or lung diseases should never go to beaches when red tide is present because it can trigger asthma attacks, involuntary movements of the diaphragm, or tightening of the diaphragm, creating shortness of breath and can lead to death. Even though most of the symptoms caused by red tide are non-life threatening, doctors caution people with weak respiratory systems to be aware of beaches and general areas where a red tide is