Red Tide Rangers

We are specialized first responders for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), particularly red tides caused by the phytoplankton Karenia brevis. Red Tide Rangers provide this public service on a volunteer basis, and are part of the Coastal Master Naturalist program.

In a red tide, the phytoplankton Karenia brevis releases a neurotoxin that harms humans and animals, resulting in fish kills, water discoloration, and respiratory issues. During a red tide bloom, Rangers collect water samples, record environmental data, and analyze these samples to measure Karenia brevis cell concentrations in coastal waters. The data collected by Red Tide Rangers are reported to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department HABs division and provide crucial, timely information to the State of Texas and the federal government for managing public health and safety. This information is used by the state to issue health advisories to the public, to fishermen, and resource managers who oversee state waters, as well as commercial and recreational fisheries affected by red tide. Additionally, their findings help confirm bloom locations for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coastal Services Center and support NOAA’s efforts to predict red tides.

• Texas Sea Grant
• Cameron County
• TPWD
• Gladys Porter Zoo
• Sea Turtle, Inc.
• UTRGV Coastal Studies Lab

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