Red tide hits local beaches
The Malibu Times
10/13/2011
A water sample taken by Heal the Bay scientists off the Santa Monica Pier this week confirmed what Malibu’s more avid beachgoers may already know: Local beaches are experiencing a red tide. The phenomenon causes normal blue-gray water to take on a rusty, brownish pigment due to an overabundance of algae. While not all red tides are harmful, about a third of the algae species causing red tides can cause adverse health affects, according to a news brief on Heal the Bay’s website.
During such toxic red tides, mussels, clams and other shellfish that filter algae for food can safely ingest the toxins. However, humans who eat the shellfish can suffer nausea/vomiting, diarrhea tingling or numbness. That risk is the reason for the annual mussel harvesting quarantine along the length of the California coast that lasts from May 1 to Oct. 31.
Some people also believe that coming into contact with water or breathing sea spray affected by red tide can cause eye irritations, skin discomfort and sore throats. Heal the Bay’s website urges people to be safe but to check out the unique conditions along the coast.
