EPA New England Topics

Red Tide

	Printable version of Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Image

A "red tide" or "harmful algal bloom" is a natural event caused by rapid growth of microscopic, single-celled algae that makes the ocean looks red or brown, especially in summertime, and especially when rains wash more nutrients into rivers and the sea. Most kinds of algae are harmless plants but some types produce a natural toxin that can contaminate shellfish that eat the algae. Animals or humans who eat the contaminated shellfish can be poisoned. Local fishing areas are usually closed during major red tides to prevent harvest and sales of contaminated shellfish. Local fish advisories tell you when to avoid buying or eating shellfish.

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National EPA

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Gulf of Mexico

General

Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries - What is Red Tide? Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Red Tide Public Health Fact Sheet NOAA June 9, 2005 Press Release - NOAA Awards More Emergency Funding to New England Red Tide Response Effort Algal Bloom Dynamics Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services - About Red Tide Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute - The Harmful Algae Page Closure Notices Maine Massachusetts