Abstract This paper discusses Red Tide - the common name for the blooming of certain species of dinoflagellata that have a reddish pigment causing the water to appear to be red when the massive numbers of dinoflagellates accumulate. The paper examines the dangers of Red Tide to human beings in the form of nausea, skin irritation and weakened immune systems. It also shows that Red Tide can be fatal to marine life, especially marine mammals. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of Red Tide on the fishing industry and the various things which are being done to try and control it.
From the Paper "Red tides have been completely unaffected by pollution, and finding a way to contain outbreaks has been a daunting task for scientists. Most recently, a Woods Hole scientist has been experimenting with using clay to smother the algae (Fairfield). This new method has helped protect the billion-dollar fishing industries in Japan and South Korea, and scientists are hoping it can protect the waters in the United States as well (Fairfield).
Until recently, the research has focused mainly on the toxins emitted, and the chemistry of the harmful blooms ? not on finding ways to control the blooms (Fairfield). While the United States isn?t a fishing economy per se, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimate that the U.S. will lose more that $1 billion over the next ten years because of the toxic algae (Fairfield)."
