Red tide in South Padre Island area

UPDATE -- July 5, 2000

This is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department red tide update for July 5, 2000.

On Monday, July 3, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department received a report that dead menhaden were washing ashore on the gulf beach on South Padre Island. TPWD biologists investigated the report, and observed eye and respiratory irritation consistent with red tide, Gymnodinium breve. Dead menhaden were scattered from the Brazos Santiago Pass north to Andy Bowie Park on the gulf beach of South Padre Island.

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.

The Texas Department of Health has the authority to close shellfish harvesting because of effects of red tide and for other reasons. Call the Texas Department of Health toll-free information line at (800) 685-0361 for the most current information on whether it is safe to harvest oysters, clams, mussels, or scallops in Texas bays.

Although some travelers may be concerned with how the red tide may affect their vacation plans, there are miles of clean beaches to enjoy on the Texas coast. When making travel plans, heed the advice of the Texas Department of Health: get the current facts and draw your own conclusions. Many people experience respiratory, nose, throat, and eye irritation when they are near areas affected by red tide.

For information on local beach conditions, travelers may contact the following tourist organizations:

Corpus Christi Greater Business Alliance, (800) 678-6232
Port Aransas Tourist Bureau, (800) 452-6278
Rockport/Fulton Chamber of Commerce, (800) 826-6441
South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 767-2373

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