Colors

Red Tide

"Red tide" is a nickname for harmful algae blooms that appear as a reddening of the water. Red tides are not only a phenomenon of the ocean, but also of rivers and lakes.  While some red tides are harmless, many others create a toxic environment that can kill not only the fish and shellfish that live in the water, but also the animals, birds, and humans who consume the tainted fish and shellfish.

How It's Used

“Young readers in search of scary stories will soon have a whole new genre to enjoy. Children's books about global warming -- a market niche that didn't exist as recently as last fall -- are blossoming on booksellers' shelves faster than a red-tide algae bloom off the coast of Maine.”

"Leaving aside oyster sex for a moment, death - or at least illness - is the other summer concern. Warm water promotes algae responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), better known as red tide. But a combination of weekly testing and sheltered growing areas has minimized the risk. Northern California oyster farmers haven't had a PSP closure in the past seven years, according to the Department of Public Health."

Also Known As (AKA)

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, PSP, Pfiesteria

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