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Red tide update, August 25, 2000
Texas Parks and Wildlife

This is the red tide update for Friday, August 25.

Red tide-related fish kills are occurring along the middle Texas coast this week. Yesterday Department biologists investigated a fish kill at Sargent Beach in Matagorda County. They observed about 200 dead fish of several species in a 2.5-mile streatch of beach, and reported that coughing and eye irritation were noticeable at the beach. Yesterday Texas Department of Health staff found red tide in water samples collected near Freeport and Surfside Beach in Brazoria County. Department staff have also confirmed that red tide cells are present in water collected at the mouth of the San Bernard River, just down the coast from Freeport.

A fish kill continues in an area of the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3 miles offshore from Sabine Pass, which Department staff have been monitoring for over a week. An estimated 50,000 fish are involved in that kill. Water samples taken in that area last week confirmed that red tide cells are present in high concentrations.

Three common signs of a red tide bloom are discolored water, dead fish, and breathing difficulty. To report sightings of red tide, call your local TPWD office or the Kills and Spills Team at (512) 912-7055.

For more information about red tide check Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's web page at www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call the Kills and Spills Team at 512-912-7055.