Algae Washes Ashore on Lido Beach

Drift Algae, aka seaweed, colors the water off Lido Beach

Our usually clear water off Lido Beach is taking on a brownish hue as two types of algae creep towards shore. The stuff is naturally occurring and not considered harmful. Initial test results confirmed red drift algae—often just referred to a seaweed—and blooms of microscopic algae called Trichodesmium.  Neither are considered harmful, but they can make our water look less than appealing.

Officials with the Florida fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have also received a report that suggested the presence of red tide. Red tide produces toxins that cause respiratory irritation. Trichodesmium algae do not. That incident was reported near Anna Maria Island, but new results show no red tide present.

Drift algae on our beach

Seaweed is common on our beach and plays an important role in coastal ecology. The material contains bugs, works and tiny fish that prove food for birds.

But when seaweed washes ashore it tends to rot, giving off an unpleasant odor. Trichodesmium and drift algae usually stay farther away from the shoreline, but currents can sometimes carry it to the beach.

Also found on our beach over the weekend, a pile of funky debris that washed ashore, apparently from an overturned boat out in the Gulf. ~ JM
 

Debris washed ashore from an overturned boat in the Gulf.