Fla. Piles of dead mullet washed up along the docks and amid the mangroves of Estero Bay and beachcombers coughed and wheezed - signs that red tide maybe back in the waters off southwest Florida, scientists said. Five hundred more dead fish were spotted Monday. Samples of water and fish were being collected and tested at state labs, Willis said Tuesday. Results that could determine whether the fish kills were caused by an algae bloom were expected Thursday. While the micro-organisms that cause red tide are usually present in the water at very low concentrations, scientists determine how many show up in a sample of water to determine whether a bloom has occurred.
Red tide can produce a toxin dangerous to sea life and people.
That toxin can kill fish and become airborne in the crashing surf to cause temporary health problems in people. Problems range from coughing and wheezing to scratchy eyes and even a rash. Most symptoms subside within 24 hours after leaving the affected area.