Red tide conf. A red tide conference sponsored by the Coastal Conservation Association begins today, Thursday, April 16, and continues tomorrow, Friday, April 17, at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute. It is free open to the public. The red tide conference today and tomorrow is also free and open to the public. Increased outbreaks of red tide in recent years have caused large fish kills along the Texas coast and have led to increased concern over its cause and possible prevention.
Red tide is a bloom of microscopic algae that attacks the nervous systems of fish.
It can be harmful to humans, especially those with breathing difficulties, and studies have shown that infected clams, mussels and oysters are unsafe for human consumption. According to Duke Bonilla, president of the Corpus Christi CCA Chapter, the purpose of the red tide conference is several-fold. We have scientific, management and public awareness goals.