Red Tide Alert in Mexico

Red Tide Alert!

Not dangerous, but be aware

By Martina

Red tide has hit the Northern Baja coastline from Plaza Tijuana to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Ensenada. Each year during the summer months, the red tide appears and creates a rusty looking ocean and dirty brown waves. The red tide is made up of single–cell plants known as algae. This microscopic algae goes through yearly cycles of rapid growth and decay. The growth period is characterized by a sudden burst, and a single tiny plant can multiply into millions of its kind. This phase is called “blooming.”

Captain Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation said that the lack of rain normally would lessen the bloom, because rain generates more nutrient rich runoff.  “But the strong northwest winds we have had this spring have blown the surface waters out to sea. This means that they have to be replaced by upwelling of deep ocean water rich with nutrients. That water is cold. You don’t need warm water for red tide, just nutrients and sunlight.” So the upswell has fueled the bloom along our coast, along with the residual nutrients from years of dumping sewage into the ocean.

In our local area, one can see the massive “patches” which seem to move in and out. Red tide is spread by currents and tides. It blooms profusely off shore in areas where water pollution is known to be a problem. Runoff from sewage systems (or the lack thereof) is a major feeding factor which creates an explosion of red-tide “cells.” When asked if Baja has a more extreme problem than in previous years, Captain Moore stressed, “The entire world is being affected by human’s discharge of their waste into the ocean.”

For the short term, nothing can be done about it.  Baja travelers and residents have to learn to live with the Red Tide and understand how to avoid some of its nasty side effects. While scientists say that generally Red Tide is not harmful to swim in, those who have sensitive skin can experience a burning sensation. Surfers are fearless and will still go out, but many report that they have had flu like symptoms, ear infections, and sore throats.

People with allergies should be more cautious about beach visits during a Red Tide, since they could have a serious reaction. The flower of the algae produces a brevetoxin aerosol that becomes airborne when there is heavy surf action. It may activate “histamine,” in the lungs and can lead to bronchitis. Even those without allergy problems may find themselves “wheezing” or feeling tired, due to the effect of the aerosol which can cause significant bronchoconstriction. But for most beach goers, a short-term exposure has no lasting effect when they move off the beach.            

One of the organisms in the Red Tide releases demoic acid, a nerve toxin that affects marine life.  This toxin causes birds and mammals to strand themselves, and die.  Other strains of these plants produce paralytic shellfish poisoning. The hard-shell clams, oysters, and mussels filter the sea water through their bodies, and can accumulate so much toxin that they become toxic to humans. This is a major concern here in Northern Baja’s coastal areas, where there are many independent shell fishermen and little or no quality control at local restaurants and fish markets.

In the US, the Department of Health and Human Services declares that “Under no circumstance should individuals harvest shellfish from areas closed to shell fishing.” Our problem here is that Mexico has no official postings. Even after red tide is over, the shellfish is not free of the paralytic poisoning, and cooking or freezing does not destroy the poison. The symptoms of shellfish poisoning mimic drunkenness, and will begin to affect a person’s nervous system within 30 minutes. Watch for a “bee sting” reaction of tingling of the lips and tongue, spreading to the face, neck, fingertips and toes, that is followed by headache, dizziness and nausea.  Immediate medical attention is advised

Even with all of its nasty side effects, the red tide does have one saving grace: it is beautiful at night.  As the breakers roll in, they glow with phosphorescent light. And you can still enjoy your favorite fish or Puerto Nuevo style lobster at any of the fine restaurants in town. Using a little common sense, the red tide should not hamper your enjoyment of Baja’s beautiful summer months.