Since it’s the time of year when red tide typically blooms offshore, we asked SCCF Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., and Research Scientist Rick Bartleson, Ph.D., to explain what we can expect this fall.

They discuss the seasonal dynamics of red tide and monitoring efforts by the lab to track it once it is detected offshore. The conversation also includes an in-depth explanation of Karenia brevis, the dinoflagellate that causes red tides, and their historical occurrence off the Southwest Florida coast.

They also talk about red tide research the Lab is assisting with related to sea turtles and what you can do in your own backyard to help prevent harmful algal blooms such as red tide.

Click here to listen if you want to better understand why we may or may not experience a red tide bloom this fall.