An algae bloom, almost double the size of Rhode Island, has wreaked havoc in Florida’s waters and could wash ashore causing even more damage in the next couple of weeks.
According to Reuters, the red-tide algae near the Florida Panhandle is approximately 80 miles long and 50 miles wide. The algae bloom releases harmful, odorless chemicals that has killed marine life and can cause respiratory problems in humans.
Scientists have said that the toxic bloom could wash up on Florida’s west coast in two weeks.
The Delhi Daily Digest reported that although red-algae bloom is not new to Florida, researchers have begun gathering water samples to try and get a handle on the Karenia brevis bloom issue.
Just last week, it was reported that Toledo, Ohio was also battling an algae problem. Officials there put residents under a tap-water ban that lasted days. Florida authorities have yet to announce such a ban.
So far the red-tide bloom has proved to be fatal to thousands of fish including snapper, grouper, flounder and sharks. The bloom has also killed crabs, eel and octopus.