Experts Concerned about Long-Term Impacts from Red Tide Algal Blooms in SWFL

Since Hurricane Ian, red tide has been blooming across Southwest Florida.

Most beaches in SWFL have been closed due to potential debris threats in the water, but The Calusa Waterkeeper reported that blooms are now present in both Naples and in Sanibel.

Dr. Mike Parsons, a professor of marine science at FGCU, said this is about the time of the year when blooms become present along the Gulf Coast.

“It’s hard to say right now if the Hurricane (Ian) is to blame for what we’ve been seeing, but it’s not necessarily impossible that long-term impacts would be worse,” said Parsons.