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Red tide update, October 13, 2000
Texas Parks and Wildlife

This is the Texas red tide update for Friday, October 13. While the effects of red tide are diminishing in the upper Texas coast, it is intensifying along the lower coast. A large fish kill suspected to be caused by red tide was reported today in East Matagorda Bay and in Matagorda Bay off Powderhorn Lake. Respiratory irritation and visible reddish streaks in the water were reported from the Port Aransas area. Dead fish and a visible bloom were observed in Espiritu Santo Bay and San Antonio Bay. Dead fish and respiratory irritation were reported yesterday from San Jose Island, although the fish appeared to have died a few days before. Dead fish and respiratory irritation consistent with red tide were reported in South Padre Island yesterday and today. Red tide cells are present in samples collected along the Gulf shore side of Padre Island from Mansfield Pass to South Padre Island.

Looking at the upper coast, water samples collected in Galveston Bay are showing no red tide. No one is currently reporting fish kills or respiratory irritation on the Galveston beaches. Three common signs of a red tide bloom are discolored water, dead fish, and breathing difficulty. To report sightings of red tide during regular business hours, call your local TPWD office or the Kills and Spills Team at (512) 912-7055. To report red tide over the weekend, page Dave Buzan at (800) 299-4099, personal identification number 2366. For more information about red tide and the latest updates, visit the TPWD web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us and click on the red tide symbol, or call the TPWD hotline at (800) 792-1112, press "4" for fishing, then press "9" for red tide.

Cindy Contreras
Water Quality Coordinator
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744
USA

(512) 912-7095
(512) 707-1358 fax

cindy.contreras@tpwd.state.tx.us