Overview of the 2006 Red Tide

Karenia brevis, or red tide, was confirmed as the cause of a fish kill at Port Aransas in late September 2006. Texas Parks and Wildlife partnered with a number of agencies and entities to get a comprehensive look at the red tide bloom over time. Water samples were collected by different agencies along the coast to confirm the presence or absence of bloom. Biologists flew over the coast regularly to get an aerial view of the extent of the bloom as well as an idea of where sampling should be focused. Staff responded to reports of fish kills to assess the numbers and species of fish affected. Data was turned into red tide updates sent daily to a distribution list of harmful algal bloom researchers and media contacts. The same daily updates were posted on the TPWD website to be accessed by the public. The goal was to facilitate cooperation between agencies to allow the most information possible to be gained from the red tide.