• CONTACT US
361-749-6251
Sandpiper Condominiums
  • Vacation Rentals
  • About Sandpiper
    • Features & Amenities
    • Sandpiper Gallery
    • Book Direct & Save
    • Rental Policies
    • Family Vacation Information
    • Contact Us
    • Owner Area
  • Port Aransas Guide
    • Things To Do
      • Mustang Island Beaches
      • Fishing
      • Kayaking/Sailing/Boating
      • Golf
      • Schlitterbahn Water Park
    • Things To See
      • U.S.S Lexington
      • Texas State Aquarium
      • National Seashore
      • Bird Watching
    • Shopping
    • Places To Eat
    • Sandfest
    • Photos of Port Aransas
    • Port Aransas Map & Directions
    • Weather
  • Mustang Island Blog
  • Home
  • Menu Menu
You are here: Home1 / Mustang Island Blog2 / Uncategorized3 / Red Tide Awareness! Should you be concerned if you are coming down for...
Uncategorized

Red Tide Awareness! Should you be concerned if you are coming down for vacation soon?

Schlitterbahn Water Park Logo

There has been a lot of hype all over media about the recent Red Tide that has affected most all of the Gulf Coast.

Last week was really bad! There were dead fish all over the beaches and with dead fish comes a terrible stink! Thankfully the Red Tide has subsided and the beaches are again enjoyable and back to normal.

We decided to write this blog about what Red Tide is and how it does affect the beaches and most importantly us! Knowledge is power and understanding what this unfortunate spectacle is will help our guests and readers better understand Red Tide.

Red Tide has been around forever and is a common microscopic algae, scientifically termed Karenia brevis or K. brevis. When these algea are found in high concentrations they are termed as blooms and can have the water appear to be red, light or dark green and even brown. This species of algae is a naturally occurring organism that is likely to always be present at low concentrations in the Gulf of Mexico. The blooms usually occur in late summer, or early fall and can last days, weeks and even months. These bloom locations are constantly changing due to the wind conditions.

These blooms produce a toxin called brevetoxin, which affects the central nervous system of animals. When this is ingested by the fish you will find them dead floating in the water or laid up on the beaches.

If you bring your pets to101311_fishkill_mustangisland beach, it’s important to literally keep them on a short leash and probably left at home. The dead fish on the beach could cause your furry friends respiratory issues and if consumed, a much worse ending.

As for us humans, Red Tide affects the respiratory system. Common symptoms are coughing, sneezing, and watery, itchy-burning eyes. Because this affects allergies, most over the counter anti-histamines will help treat these symptoms. Those who are easily bothered by allergies might want to avoid the beach during this time as to not disrupt their health.

One more thing about Red Tide is a concern of seafood consumption. The Brevetoxin is heat stable and not killed during the cooking process. The good news about shrimp and crabs (crustaceans) or shell fish, are not affected by the red tide. We would strongly advise not to eat any fish found dead or floating in the water!!!  Finfish that are caught live are safe to eat after being gutted and as for other seafood found in restaurants and grocery stores they are safe also.

If you love oysters, clams and mussels, it’s best to avoid these during red tide season as these lovely treats become very toxic!

All of the information about Red Tide was found at https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/environconcerns/hab/redtide/status.phtml

For current Red Tide Status Updates you can visit the above site at any time. They accurately and timely report any red tide sightings or finds.

We hope this information helps and we definitely assure you that the beaches in front of the Sandpiper are excellent, except for some seaweed. We’ll discuss that bloom in another post!!

September 23, 2015/by Social SandPiper
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail

Categories

Sandpiper Resort Condominiums

6745 Seacomber Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373

Toll Free: 800-789-2898 | Phone: 361-749-6251 | Fax: 361-749-6152

Email Us
Website Design & Booking Engine by Beyond Pricing
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Privacy Policy
  • Site Map
  • Terms and Conditions
Fall in Port Aransas! Tasty Shrimp Salad Winter Is Near! Things to do in Port Aransas.
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more

Cookie and Privacy Settings



How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

Privacy Policy
Accept settingsHide notification only