SANIBEL — Recently, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory scientists partnered with Captains for Clean Water and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute to sample 26 sites offshore Sanibel and Captiva for the presence of Karenia brevis, the micro algae that causes red tide.
On Nov. 18, the SCCF reported that the team found K. brevis in every water sample. Most sites had low to medium concentrations of K. brevis, while several had high concentrations. The highest concentrations were located off of eastern Sanibel and northern Captiva.
“Fish kills and respiratory irritation are almost certain at these high levels,” SCCF Marine Lab Director Dr. Eric Milbrandt said. “We also found areas on the higher end of medium near South Seas resort.”