Disclaimer: These postings were sent to us from a variety of media sources over the Internet. The content has not been reviewed for scientific accuracy or edited in any manner.

Red tide update, September 21, 2000
Texas Parks and Wildlife

This is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department red tide update for Thursday, September 21.

Isolated patches of reddish water were observed in Corpus Christi Bay near the downtown area and about two to three miles offshore of Port Aransas. The appearance of the water and respiratory irritation consistent with red tide were noted at the Corpus Christi Bay site.

Red tide continues to affect portions of the Galveston Bay system and East Matagorda Bay. In some areas the eye and throat irritation has been reported to be very severe. Conditions are quickly changing, however, as red tide can be noticeable in a particular area one day and then gone the next. Experience tells us that if beach goers and anglers stay flexible, they will be able to find beaches and angling free of the effects of red tide.

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 current updates, call 1-800-792-1112, press "four" for fishing, then "nine" for red tide, or visit the TPWD web site at www.tpwd.state.tx.us and click on the red tide symbol.