Red Tide Along Texas Coast Cancels Some Beach Cleanup Plans

The algae bloom known as red tide has led to cancellation of some Texas adopt-a-beach cleanups.

The Texas General Land Office says South Padre Island will not be part of Saturday's annual volunteer effort due to safety concerns about red tide.

The bloom involves a toxin that can cause shellfish poisoning in humans who consume it. Red tide aerosols can cause breathing problems.

GLO spokeswoman Brittany Eck on Thursday said other excluded areas are Boca Chica, St. Joe's Island, Port Aransas beaches, Mustang Island State Park, Packery Flats, North Padre Island and Padre Island National Seashore.

South Padre Island officials said red tide cells are still present in the water in their area, but that there have been no fish kills reported within the city limits.  Additionally, there are no reports of restriction on water or marine activities in the Laguna Madre.

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department this month confirmed red tide, named for its color, and fish kills along the Gulf of Mexico. Reports of discolored water extend as far north as Galveston.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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