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Red tide update, October 26, 2000
Texas Parks and WildlifeThis is the Texas red tide update for October 26. Moderate respiratory irritation and discolored water were reported from Boca Chica Beach at the far southern tip of the Texas coast yesterday. Dead fish were seen there, but they appeared to be several days old. No other reports of red tide have been received since Monday, when dead flounder were observed washing ashore along the Padre Island National Seashore. In Galveston Bay, the Texas Department of Health has cleared the Central and East approved areas for harvest of oysters with the possibility of conditional areas 2 and 3 and north approved area being added soon. It looks as if most areas will be open for public oyster fishing on November 1st. For more information about shellfish closures, call the Texas Department of Health's toll-free hotline (1-800-685-0361).
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 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
Resource Protection Division
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department4200 Smith School Road
Austin, TX 78744(512) 912-7095 phone
(512) 707-1358 fax
indy.contreras@tpwd.state.tx.us http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us