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Unlike a stunningly scarlet sunset, a red tide does not inspire aesthetic appreciation. A more likely response is alarm. Red tides occur when surface-dwelling phytoplankton experience a sudden population explosion in response to abundant nutrients. The high density of organisms, sometimes called an algal bloom, results in ocean waters changing colour, ranging from bright green to deep red or brown. Shifting wind and water patterns can trigger this growth, as can pollution or any localized addition of nutrients. In many coastal regions, red tides may occur with fairly regular frequency.

Many different organisms are responsible for red tides, and some are potentially toxic. Florida, normally a popular tourist destination, experiences numerous red tides. Research is ongoing, searching to better understand the causes of these sometimes devastating events. Florida blooms involve Karenia brevis, a common species of motile photosynthetic dinoflagellate that produces neurotoxins (called brevetoxins) potent enough to kill fish, birds, and mammals. The tiny red tide organisms concentrate up the food chain, with filter feeders accumulating particularly high levels of toxins. Shellfish are of particular concern for the human population.You can find the entire article here http://aboutmyplanet.com/environment...-order-seafood