Red tides

• Red Tide


  A common term used when microscopic algae called phytoplankton multiply like wildfire in the ocean
• Red Tide


  • Associated with massive die-offs
  • Caused by algal blooms that occur when large amounts of nutrients are suddenly introduced to seawater
  • Can cause the water surface to change color
  • Can become so large and dense that they can be seen from space
• Most blooms are beneficial because the tiny algae are a major source of energy that fuels the ocean food web
• Harmful algal blooms


  A small percentage of algal blooms are caused by algae that produce toxins that can kill all sorts of organisms and even contaminate an entire food web, including humans
• Harmful algal blooms are sometimes called red tides, even though they aren't always red and they actually aren't associated with the tide
• Many folks are opting to just call them harmful algal blooms, which is a lot less confusing
• Red tide occurs when there is an overgrowth or accumulation of these organisms in coastal waters.
• Dinoflagellates have two flagella that allow them to move through water.
• The bloom is caused by the presence of large numbers of dinoflagellates, which are microscopic algae.
• This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "red tide" because of its appearance.