Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf

~ John W. Howell

2015-09-19 08.22.43

Not much has changed this week. That brown stuff by the water is seaweed that rolled in with the shifting current. We have also been having a rough time with Red Tide. This is an algae bloom in the Gulf that is totally toxic to wildlife. The waves roll across the tide and the wind vaporizes the algae and so the air becomes filled with spores which cause itchy eyes, sore throat, coughing and respiratory problems. It has been with us now for four days. It is more or less like living in heavy air pollution. The difference is it is invisible. The other problem is large fish kills which have not washed up on our beach yet but are further North. We have to be careful and not allow the dogs to pick up anything on the beach in their mouth as the effect could be fatal. Some years the Red Tide is nonexistent and others very bad. The only thing that kills the algae is colder water but when the currents change and it moves out into deeper water we are spared the effects.

Last week’s photo.

2015-09-12 08.38.35

27 thoughts on “Sunday – Fifty-Two Views of the Gulf”

  1. Thanks for the interesting detail about the Red Tide. Now I remember hearing of it, way back when I’d visit Florida, but only vaguely. I’m sure it really messes with anyone who has bad allergies or asthma. Yeesh… you get away from the city and that kind of bad air quality, and something else shows up. Thanks for another interesting Sunday view, John. Hugs!

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      1. As you said, it’s invisible — so take care John. We had some terrible air quality for a couple of weeks in DC, then this prolonged sinus infection took over. Nothing quite like the burning lungs from bad air… Wishing you a clear sky (and beach!). Hugs.

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  3. I had heard about Red Tide before but I wasn’t aware that its effects could be so widespread. I hope that washes away soon. I remember large fish kills/deaths in Lake Erie back in the 60s, it’s a very sad thing to see.

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  6. How to keep your hound from picking up a beach bonus. Boy, that is the question of the day. I suppose leashes are important at this time of year. Thanks for the little lesson on Red Tides. Totally intriguing, but for your sake, I hope short-lived. Cheers

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  8. John, thank you for explaining about the Red Tide. I’ve heard that expression before when I was on the Mississippi Coast, but I admit I never took time to understand just what it meant. Your description was concise — sounds pretty dreadful, so I hope it goes away soon!

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