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Red Tides - Red tide is a phenomenon when phytoplankton, a single-celled plant, grow very fast or “bloom” and accumulate into dense, visible patches near the water surface. Red tides are naturally occurring, but nutrient pollution and warming waters can fuel blooms, making them last longer and cover larger areas. Unfortunately, some phytoplankton are extremely harmful and toxic to humans and marine wildlife when they reach high concentrations. For instance, the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis (K. brevis), that makes up red tides off the coast of Florida, can release harmful brevetoxins into the ocean and air, causing massive kills of fish, marine mammals, and sea turtles; and painful burning of the eyes and lungs for beach goers.