Massive red tide bloom washing off Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast

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Massive red tide bloom washing off Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast

By Letitia Stein TAMPA Fla. (Reuters) - The largest red tide bloom seen in Florida in nearly a decade has killed thousands of fish in the Gulf of Mexico and may pose a greater health threat if it washes ashore as expected in the next two weeks, researchers said on Thursday. Red tide occurs when naturally occurring algae bloom out of control, producing toxins deadly to fish and other marine life. "It could have large impacts if it were to move inshore," said Brandon Basino, a spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The phenomenon has existed for centuries, but such a large bloom is being closely monitored in Florida because it could impact beach tourism and commercial fishing.

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