Red tide at fault in hundreds of manatee deaths

Enivornmental Issues, from the archive

LEE COUNTY, FL - A new study now confirms red tide is to blame for the deaths of hundreds of manatees. Florida Fish & Wildlife says a record-breaking 270 manatees have died this year because of red tide in Southwest Florida. Of those, 230 were found in Lee County. After analyzing blood samples from affected manatees, scientists at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota now believe the mammals suffered from a weakened immune system because of red tide. With the increase in deaths this year, animal lovers and tourists fear for the long-term prospects for manatees. "We are sort of worried, because they are an endangered animal, really. We are worried you won't see them or our children won't see them," said Sharon Cannaby, who is visiting Southwest Florida from the United Kingdom.

Originally published December 5, 2013 on GreenMedTV.