2.  is
caused by a rapid population growth of
microscopic plankton. These microscopic plankton
release toxins that have severe affects on marine
life and humans. The toxins are environmental
chemicals that can interfere with metabolism, nerve
conduction, and the central nervous system (From
Monsoons to Microbes 1999). The blooms mainly
take place in coastal, warm waters.

3. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Warm Temperatures
High Nutrient Content
Low Salinity
Calm Seas
Rain followed by sunny weather
 As the plankton multiply and grow, they cause a discoloration in
the water near the shoreline (Red Tide 2001). Often it turns a
reddish-brown colour, hence the name red tide. There have been
occurrences where the water has turned a yellow, brown, or even a
purple shade.

4.  Scientist has
summarized the development of Red Tide
into four stages.
 The
first stage is where the plankton is introduced
into the area. Next is the growth stage where the
population begins to multiply rapidly over a few
weeks time span. As they reach the peak of growth
they enter into stage three, maintenance. Here is
where the bloom can either continue to live offshore
or can be moved inshore by tides or strong winds. If
the bloom moves closer to shore, nutrients are in
greater abundance, which can cause the bloom to
grow even larger. Finally, the bloom will eventually
dissipate, ending the cycle (Red Tide 2001).

5. 

One of the newest developments in Florida. Red Tide research has
been the connection between red tide and the dust storms from
Africa. Scientists believe that the dust clouds that travel from the
Saharan desert could be triggering these algae blooms. The iron is
deposited into the water and then is used by the bacteria called
Trichodesmium to fixate nitrogen. Since there is an abundance of
nitrogen in the ocean, the water is more susceptible to creating
toxic blooms.
Organisms involved in Red Tide are not always harmful to the
marine life, but unfortunately there is a great number that are.
These harmful algal blooms (HABs) have caused death among
fish, birds, manatees, and several other vertebrate species. Eating
the toxic plankton, eating other organisms already infected with the
toxins, or simply by exposure through the water can contaminate
organisms. The toxins do not affect filter-feeding shellfish even
though the toxins are concentrated in their organs. Other
fish, however, are not so lucky and end up being victims to the
powerful red tide.

6. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Red Tide has affected humans as well. The impact is both medical and
economical. The diagnosis of Red Tides physical affects has been
narrowed down into FIVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF POISONING:
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP). Symptoms are
vomiting, headache, diarrhea, memory loss, seizure, or even coma. You can get
this type of poisoning from eating a contaminated clam or mussel.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). Symptoms for CFP are skin
irritation, temperature reversal, hallucinations, and muscular and joint pain.
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). Symptoms are chills, vomiting, nausea, and
diarrhea. Scallops, mussels and short-necked clams cause DSP.
Neurotoxin Shellfish Poisoning (NSP). Symptoms for NSP are tingling of
limbs, muscle aches, and dizziness. Clams, scallops, mussels, and oysters are
all associated with NSP.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Symptoms are rash, fever, numbness of
mouth, drowsiness, and vomiting.
The earliest record of PSP was in the year of 1793 when a man died and
four others were left ill (Saving the Oceans 1992)

7.  Red Tide
has created a large impact on our oceans and
our lives. It is increasingly affecting our marine life and
our own health and economic prosperity. Programs have
been established to try and reduce the harmful effects of
the Red Tide and keep people educated about this
phenomenon. The next step in coming closer to solving
the mystery is more research. Whatever is causing red
tide, and the answer behind stopping it is out there. We
just have to keep diving deeper for the truth.