 |
|
|
|
RED
TIDE-Is it Safe to go Into the Water?
|
Red Tides are the result of "blooms"
of microscopic plankton. Favorable conditions for the
formation of a red tide include nutrient rich waters,
ample sunlight, and reduced vertical mixing of the ocean
water itself.
Most red tides are harmless to humans that swim or surf
in them, but eating shellfish and other filter feeders
from areas where red tides have persisted is dangerous,
so be careful. If exposed to waters containing a red
tide it is recommended to shower promptly after leaving
the water so that the thousands or millions of cells
that are on your body or in your suit are washed away
before they die on your skin, which could release the
toxins that are contained in the plankton's single celled
body.
So enjoy the surf, don't drink the water and use the
shower at the beach. Clean out your ears when you are
done and everything should be just fine.
For further information, check out the Surfrider Foundation
web page at: http://www.surfrider.org/a-z/red_tide.asp
(Courtesy of Tom Ford, Staff Scientist, Santa Monica
Baykeeper and Venice surfer)
Back
to environment page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
