Overview
- Texas Parks and Wildlife confirmed moderate-to-high concentrations of Karenia brevis near Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach and Galveston Island based on water samples collected during Sept. 7–11.
- Those samples and onshore reports linked the bloom to fish kills, including thousands of dead fish at Crystal Beach, and to coughing, sneezing and throat or eye irritation in some visitors.
- NOAA and state health officials say breaking waves can aerosolize brevetoxins so people can be affected without entering the water and those with asthma or other lung disease are at higher risk.
- Authorities warn that red tide is patchy and can shift with winds and tides, so they urge people to leave affected areas if they feel symptoms and to avoid touching or eating dead or sick marine life.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services is maintaining shellfish surveillance because oysters and other shellfish can hold toxins for weeks or months, and closures may stay in place even after visible blooms fade.