Red tide is a toxic algae bloom that hits the shores of the Gulf just about every year after major hurricanes. . It is a naturally occurring event, however, it can be exasperated by pollution and other harmful human activity. . It is toxic to most all marine life and kills fish, sea mammals and also mollusks. It can also be harmful to humans, causing respiratory illness if inhaled. . People are used to associating red tide with fish kills, but this year alone it's washed up thousands of live sea

Water can turn red in the ocean due to a natural phenomenon called a red tide, caused by the rapid growth of certain algae. These microscopic organisms, known as dinoflagellates, release pigments that tint the water red or brown when they bloom in large numbers. While some red tides are harmless, others produce toxins that can harm marine life, contaminate seafood, and even cause respiratory irritation in humans. Environmental factors like warm temperatures, nutrient-rich waters, and calm seas o