3. list 8 different marine life found in tidal pools.

In Texas, they used to bloom every ten years, but now appear every three years. Richard Stumpf, an algal blooms expert at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), says red tides tend to occur in Florida every year. With their characteristic red color, these red tides affect Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. These blooms release massive amounts of brevotoxin into the ocean. When environmental conditions, like temperature, nutrient levels, and wind, are right, the algae population explodes and huge blooms form. ( Read more about red tides in Australia.)Ī type of toxic algae, Karenia brevis, lives in the Gulf of Mexico throughout the year at low concentrations.

In each of these locales, a different microorganism-present at low levels normally-generates the algal bloom when conditions align. Within the United States, red tides occur most commonly in the Gulf of Mexico, off California, and in the Gulf of Maine. These microscopic forms of algae produce toxins that can sicken humans and be fatal for marine animals. What are red tides?Īt least three species of dinoflagellates and one diatom species are responsible for the toxic mess of red tides in the United States. They are caused by several different microorganisms, all phytoplankton that use light energy to grow. Within the United States, these blooms appear in three main coastal areas. A type of harmful algal bloom, red tides refer to toxic blooms of microscopic algae that occur worldwide. Often deep red or brown in color, a typical red tide can be observed along a marine coast.

3. list 8 different marine life found in tidal pools.