Surfrider Members,

Please take a moment and read the following information on Red Tide. 

RED TIDE or HAB (Harmful Algae Blooms)

• What is a Red Tide or HAB?
  • Harmful Algae are microscopic, single-celled plants that live in the sea. 
  • Occassionally, these algae grow rapidly and "bloom" or accumulate into dense, visible patches near the surface of the water. 
  • HAB are often called Red Tide, since the algae is often reddish in color (however it can be a variety of other colors or even clear in color).
  • Red Tide can deplete dissolved oxygen levels in the water and threaten the survivavl of fish and other marine organisms. 
  • Some HABS can also produce potent neurotoxins that can be transferred through the food web and affect / kill higher forms of life such as shellfish, fish, birds, marine mammals and even humans.
• How are humans affected?
  • Usually through the consumption of contaminated seafood products.
  • Red Tide can cause eye, throat, and nose irritation.  (This can be especially evident in young children, the elderly and those with resporitory conditions). 
  • Strong undesirable odors can also occur that detract from the beach as a reacreational outlet.

RED TIDE SURVEY

As surfers, we are in the water year round and our chances of surfing during a red tide are likely.  Some of us  may have experienced illness as a result of a red tide. 

A Red Tide occured in DE during the following period:

• Late August - Mid Sept

Symptons that you may have experienced:

• Any unusual resporitory conditions 
• Burning Skin sensation
• Rash
• Burning Eyes sensation

Please respond to this email (delsurfrider@earthlink.net or yakermtn@earthlink.net) with the following information if you experienced any of the symptons during the stated time periods.

• NAME
• CONTACT #
• DATE OF EXPOSURE
• LOCATION WHERE EXPOSED
• EXPOSURE DURATION
• SPECIFIC SYMPTONS EXPERIENCED
• ANY ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS (i.e., Unsual Discoloration of the Water, Odors, Wind Direction, Tide Info., etc.)

Thanks and Stay Stoked,

Any questions, email me or give me a call at (302) 249-8834.

Stay Stoked,