Thread: Red Tide Sites LInk

Widespread fish kill underway in Mobile Bay | AL.com
By Ben Raines | braines@al.com
on December 11, 2015 at 6:55 AM

A widespread fish kill is underway across Mobile Bay. It appears to be affecting primarily filter-feeding fish such as menhaden, sardines, alewives and shad.


Dead fish are present in the shallows and on beaches on both sides of the bay, from Point Clear to Daphne on the eastern shore and from Arlington Point south to Fowl River on the western shore. Dead and dying fish also dot the surface of the bay, from one side to the other.


The kill does not appear to be related to a red tide bloom occurring in the Gulf of Mexico and around Dauphin Island. Instead, the bloom in the upper bay appears to be another species of algae with a similar neurotoxic effect on fish.


Fish affected by the algae swim in a markedly erratic fashion, zipping straight ahead for a time, then falling into lazy circles, often swimming on their side or even upside down.
...
Mobile Bay Fish Kill - Video | AL.com


"While this is concerning and we will continue to look at the cause of the kills, we are really only seeing the very small planktivores being affected at the moment," Robertson said. "And fish such as menhaden are particularly sensitive to changes in their environment."


Dead or dying fish were visible at all times during the AL.com trips across the bay. Pelicans were seen swimming around on the surface of the bay scooping the dead fish out of the water. Likewise, pods of dolphins were seen gorging on the stricken fish.


Algal blooms in the bay typically peter out after a few days. This bloom has been particularly long-lived, and is already into its second week.


While only filter feeding fish have been affected, fishermen around the bay have reported that both speckled trout and redfish appear to have vacated the areas where the sick fish are visible.

I talked very briefly with MRD this morning and was told the same thing, the fish kill in the upper Bay appears to be cause by some other HAB or factor.
Bad year to be a baitfish.

Originally Posted by CarlF

Bay isn't dying but pogies and shad are. To give the media credit they have covered it some. But we haven't had massive fish kills or dolphins and manatees washing up like they did in Florida years back. So it's not making headlines daily.

This is finally getting more media attention...
ALERT: Red Tide Warning for Alabama?s Coast
Red Tide warning issued, those with respiratory issues take caution | AL.com
Health officials issue red tide warning for Alabama Gulf Coast - FOX10 News | WALA

Still the attention is on "Red Tide" with it's symptoms of eye & throat irritation (many folks along the Fort Morgan peninsula have been complaining about it all week)...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/107874845902582/

However that's apparently not the HAB responsible for the major fish kill going on in Mobile Bay...

A fish kill currently underway is connected to another algae that is toxic to fish, according to AL.com's Ben Raines.

Question for the experts:
IF these dying fish are toxic, at what point will the dolphins and pelicans feeding on them get sick themselves?

David, I think it depends on the HAB and what toxin it produces. But that is a darn good question. I will ask some of my contacts with DISL and try to find an answer.

Bottom line for me is that its too warm (ie: not enough birds) to duck hunt and now the fishing is gonna suck. Throw in a 20+mph wind and I guess I will be cleaning up the yard and doing stuff around the house this weekend before the tornados arrive Sunday night.

That's what I find so 'spooky' about this Carl.
As in this video (by Ben Avritt)...
https://www.facebook.com/ben.avritt/...7914811448776/

The water is perfectly clear and fish are dying and disoriented.
Whatever this bug is, the neurotoxin must be pretty potent.
From what I have read, by contrast Karenia brevis (aka Red Tide) has to have a density of several hundred thousand cells per liter to affect fish this way and the water is already discolored at that density.

Felt good to see local 15 news to finally cover the red tide, fish kills and possible new algae causing these issues tonight. Hopefully it will pass soon !!

plan to fish the surf tomorrow ( my birthday request) should I release all fish caught until these issues pass?
** probably fish west pass surf

The consensus is fish (fillets) are OK to eat from healthy fish (at least in moderation)...

Red Tide FAQ

Is it safe to eat fish that I catch in or near the red tide?
It's usually okay to eat fish, crabs and shrimp during a red tide bloom because the toxin is not absorbed into the fleshy tissues of these animals. This advice from the Texas Department of State Health Services is based on the assumption that only the "edible" portions are being consumed (the fillet or muscle). Keep in mind that you should never eat fish found sick or dead, whether or not they are caught during a red tide.

Red Tide FAQ

Is it OK to eat local finfish during a red tide?
Yes, it is safe to eat local finfish as long as the fish are filleted before eaten. Although toxins may accumulate in the guts of fish, these areas are disposed of when the fish are filleted. However, it is never a good idea to eat dead or distressed animals, especially in a red tide area, because the reason for the animal's strange behavior or death cannot be absolutely known.

BTW...
Does cooking or freezing destroy the Florida red tide toxin?
No, cooking or freezing does not destroy the red tide toxin. Furthermore, the toxin cannot be seen or tasted.

Thanks #r!!

To REPORT FISH KILLS:

Fish Kill and Strandings | Outdoor Alabama

Alabama Marine Resources Division (AMRD)


DAUPHIN ISLAND, AL (251) 861-2882
GULF SHORES, AL (251) 968-7576
Include the following information:


Date & time fish kill was observed
Location of fish kill
Contact information of reporting party
Species of fish involved
Approximate number of fish

or call DISL @ 251-861-2141

Cant stress enough the importance of reporting anything you see. Don't assume MRD, ADPH or DISL knows about a fish kill, manatee in distress, illegal activities. If something is "fishy" make the call!!
We don't mind getting multiple calls or even calls that really should be to other Divisions or agencies. We will pass it along or give you the correct phone number. Its part of our job!