[dsafety]

"Red Tide is caused by a "population explosion" of toxic, naturally occurring microscopic plankton (specifically, a subgroup known as dinoflagellates). "Blooms" of the poison-producing plankton are coastal phenomena caused by environmental conditions, which promote explosive growth. Factors that are especially favorable include warm surface temperatures, high nutrient content, low salinity, and calm seas. Rain followed by sunny weather in the summer months is often associated with red tide blooms."

And by the way, Red Tide is, well, red. Actually kind of muddy reddish brown. When it is around, you can't miss it. It messes with fishing and makes many molusks poisonus to eat. When it dies off, it stinks depletes the water of oxigen and drives away the fish.

At night, however it is a pretty site. The stuff glows when disturbed and makes the surf light up.

Bob