"Red Tide"

RED TIDE. Outbreaks of red tides and paralytic shellfish poisoning are common in many areas and are unpredictable. Fish is very sensitive to toxin of red tides of dinoflagellates. Shellfish is not sensitive but becomes extremely dangerous if it is eaten by sensitive toxic animals or by human being. Trichodesmium bloom in the sea is able to change the nutrient cycle. Mortality may accour in sheltered areas or tide pools, caused by oxygen depletion or clogging of gills due to Trichodesmium filaments. The understanding and process of red tides, how the impact to marine animals, and what is being done to avoid it are described. Some cases of red tides are also reported.