Florida residents and visitors can now call a toll-free number to hear the current red tide status report. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) established the new red tide status line earlier this year to provide the public an easy way to obtain the most up-to-date red tide status information in Florida.

Beachgoers, waterfront residents, and boaters alike can call 1-866-300-9399 at anytime, from anywhere in Florida to hear a recording detailing red tide conditions throughout the state. Callers located outside of Florida can dial 727-552-2448 to hear the recording. Please note when dialing this number that standard calling charges will apply.

FWRI updates the recording each Friday by 5 p.m. after sampling efforts for the week have been completed and analyzed. The status line is not the only way beachgoers can make sure red tide doesn’t prevent them from having fun in the sun. Web users can log on to http://research.MyFWC.com to find the latest red tide status reports, which describe red tide severity and location, as well as learn more about red tide and the research conducted by FWRI.

FWRI coordinates a year-round statewide comprehensive red tide monitoring program. Scientists investigate and monitor Florida red tide and other harmful algal blooms in coastal and estuarine waters around the state. Researchers also study the causes of red tide and its effects on Florida’s fish and wildlife resources. The Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis, produces a toxin that can kill marine life and affect humans. The effects of red tide, such as dead fish and respiratory irritation in people, depend on the location and concentration of the red tide organism at a given time. Wind speed and direction of the wind are factors as well.