TITLE: Time to turn the tide

EST. PAGES: 1

DATE: 10/03/97

DOCID: AAS742144

SOURCE: Austin American-Statesman; AAS

PAGE: A14

(Copyright 1997)

The toxic red tide afflicting the Texas coast with health and economic worries is more than just a localized blight on an otherwise lovely autumn.

The massive fish kill counts as but one of an increasing number of toxic tides bringing woe to coastal residents and sea-oriented economies all over the United States. Such deadly algae ``blooms,'' varying in color from red to blue-green to brown, paint a somber picture of imperiled waters.

Texas coastal waters from the Rio Grande to South Padre Island have reddened ominously in recent weeks, and millions of dead fish have washed ashore. The state has banned shellfish harvesting along the lower coast to protect human health, and is warning of possible respiratory problems and other health effects for people who inhale airborne toxins.

While tourists were being advised not to call off plans to visit the coast, the tide is sure to hurt the tourism industry as well as the fishing business. The commercial oyster season, set to start Nov. 1, could be affected. Mexican beaches also may be hurt. A similar red tide, more concentrated but less further ranging, dogged the Texas coast for two months in 1986.

The causes of toxic tides, which include such algae-related outbreaks as the Pfiesteria piscicida outbreak killing fish by the millions in the mid-Atlantic states, remain puzzling. Climate and other natural phenomenon may have some influence. Algae blooms are not always toxic and are a natural part of the life cycle, marine scientists say. They have been known since ancient times.

But increasingly, as poison tides proliferate, killing marine life and sickening people, industrial and agricultural pollution is suspected.

``The problem in the water clearly started on the land,'' said Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening, who recently pleaded with Congress for increased funding for research into Pfiesteria and related phenomena.

Evidence mounts that many toxic tides result at least in part from ``over- enrichment'' of waters with nutrients. Despite the positive ring of ``nutrient enrichment,'' it usually means pollution. Too much fertilizer washing into the bays. Too much animal waste carried downstream from feedlots and fowl farms. Too many dams slowing the return of waters to the sea.

The frequency and extent of harmful ``blooms'' have increased notably since the 1970s. While the reasons may not be completely clear, such a dramatic and destructive change should highlight the need for guarding the health of coastal waters.

The silvery menhaden lying poisoned on Texas beaches or dying near the mid-Atlantic coast from open sores caused by Pfiesteria provide a silent warning: When so many tides turn toxic, maybe it's time to try turning the tide.