California’s western coast borders the Pacific Ocean, which makes this state one of the most popular destinations for individuals, couples, and families who want to take advantage of all the opportunities on—and attractions near—the beach. From lounging on the sand in the sun to surfing the waves, California’s abundant and beautiful stretch of coastline encourages people of all ages to soak up the sun and admire the ocean’s endless beauty.
Sometimes, however, the ocean is not at its best—and this brings us to the topic of this blog post. What is red tide, and why does red tide occur?
What Is Red Tide?
Red tide is a striking phenomenon that plagues oceans all over the world. In the Golden State, red tide occurs between early spring to late summer. It comes to fruition when specific kinds of phytoplankton—a naturally occurring algae part of the ocean’s delicate ecosystem—begin to “bloom.”
These microscopic, single-celled plants contain a reddish pigment called peridinin so, when they begin to rapidly reproduce in high concentrations, they discolor the water and create visible blooms in the ocean. According to California Sea Grant, “Red tides are caused by a particular group of phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, which seem to prefer warmer and calmer waters.”
Low levels of algae are harmless, but give these microorganisms the right conditions they need to grow and reproduce (plentiful sunlight and the ideal water temperature, for instance) and they quickly become capable of ruining your plan to spend time on the beach.
Is Red Tide Dangerous?
A red tide can appear suddenly and can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Since red tide changes the seawater’s chemical composition, it can be dangerous for humans and, unfortunately, fatal for many sea creatures.
It’s not uncommon for beach-goers to come upon dead fish on the shoreline during a red tide in California. An article by National Geographic states, “The neurotoxins produced by harmful algae blooms can cause massive fish kills. The toxin works its way through the food web, with other species preying on the sick fish. Die-offs of many marine species, like whales and sea turtles, have been linked to red tides. The toxins can even produce a foam that causes seabirds to lose the waterproofing on their feathers, resulting in their death.”
If you’re in California during a red tide, you may experience eye, mouth, and/or throat irritation. Some people even develop cold and flu-like symptoms. Even pets can be affected by these algae blooms, so it’s important to be mindful of your furry friends, too.
It’s also important to know that not all red tides are red—in fact, they’re just as likely to be light or dark green, brown, or rusty orange. Atmospheric conditions play a role in the overall appearance of the blooms.
How to Stay Safe During Red Tide Season
You can stay safe in the water and along the shoreline by assuming that a bloom is toxic and avoiding beaches where red tides have been reported. On that note, California Cyanobacteria and Harmful Algal Bloom Network maintains an online portal that serves as the central resource for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the state. It’s here where you can find a consistently updated HAB Reports Map, and you can even report a bloom if you come into contact with one.
California Department of Public Health emphasizes that most red tides are harmless, but it’s important to be vigilant. They write, “Although the presence of a red tide is a warning that shellfish may be toxic, the absence of a red tide does not mean they are safe to eat. Shellfish can consume enough toxic organisms to become toxic even when there is no visible red tide.” For the latest updates on marine toxin activity in California, you can call the Marine Biotoxin Shellfish Information Line at 1-800-553-4133.
It’s “Tide” to Book Your Cruise
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What is red tide?” we’d like to invite you to join us on a fun-filled whale-watching cruise. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, they do happen quite often, and witnessing whales, dolphins, and other animals in their natural habitats is truly a breathtaking sight.
To purchase tickets for a whale-watching cruise, give us a call at 562-983-6880 or, if you prefer, purchase your tickets online. You’ll find our catamarans comfortable, our crew members friendly and approachable, and your ocean views unforgettable!