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Red tide update, October 16, 2000
Texas Parks and WildlifeThis is the red tide update for Monday, October 16. TPWD biologists conducted an overflight of the middle and lower Texas coast today. Red tide was observed in patches in Nueces, Corpus Christi, Mesquite and San Antonio bays. The largest patch was observed in San Antonio Bay midway between the Intracoastal Waterway and the town of Seadrift.
The nearshore Gulf of Mexico was observed from Pass Cavallo at Matagorda Bay to a point midway between Port Mansfield and South Padre Island. Extensive visible red tide was observed in the nearshore Gulf only from a point along the Padre Island National seashore south towards Port Mansfield for a distance of about 18 miles. This patch of red tide extended from 4-8 miles offshore.
Dead fish were observed floating in portions of Nueces Bay.
The Padre Island National Seashore reports respiratory irritation from the north end of the park south to Yarborough Pass.
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. 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