It is three times the size of Rhode Island, twice the size of Delaware and it is about as large as the entire state of Connecticut.

A massive red tide of algae floats near Florida, killing fish and other ocean life in the area. Satellite images from the Optical Oceanography Laboratory at the University of South Florida measure this red tide as being 90 miles by 60 miles large.

"This bloom has caused an ongoing fish kill," the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission stated online. "FWC's Fish Kill Hotline has received reports of thousands of dead and moribund benthic reef fish, including various snapper and grouper species, hogfish, grunts, crabs, flounder, bull sharks, lionfish, baitfish, eel, sea snakes, tomtates, lizardfish, filefish, octopus and triggerfish."

Red tide is caused by the algae Karenia brevis. When it becomes overgrown, it releases a toxin deadly enough to damage the nervous system of marine animals. It can also give people respiratory problems.

The FWC site on customer questions says, "Some people experience respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing, tearing and an itchy throat) when the Florida red tide organism, K. brevis, is present and winds blow onshore. Offshore winds usually keep respiratory effects experienced by those on the shore to a minimum. The Florida Department of Health advises people with severe or chronic respiratory conditions, such as emphysema or asthma, to avoid red tide areas."

The Commission recommends to avoid the eating of recreationally caught seafood. They suggest sticking to restaurants, where the seafood is inspected and tested for traces of the toxin. Similarly, one can swim in the ocean, but you may experience irritated or burning skin, as well as the aforementioned respiratory issues.

This current bloom is thriving in the Gulf of Florida, about 20 miles from the shore. It is still moving, so that number may change.

This instance of red tide is the largest one in the Florida area in a decade. Past red tides got close enough to shore to kill manatees, an endangered species. It remains to be seen if the movement of this bloom will result in similar problems for the manatee population.

The algae received the name red tide due to the brownish red discoloration of the water. There are several types of algae that can bloom, but not necessarily have the toxic effect of Krevis. Some algae do not have the memorable red color.

Photo: Terry Ross