CRIMSON TIDE SPORTS MARKETING AND AVO ANNOUNCE TIDE FEST - Learfield

GALVESTON, Tex. - A red tide bloom along the Texas coast is prompting warnings from officials as the toxic algae could cause respiratory problems for beachgoers. Red tide is a naturally occurring, higher-than-normal concentration of microscopic algae that can affect fish and cause respiratory irritation to humans, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. HURRICANE SWELLS REVEAL FORGOTTEN HISTORY BENEATH ICONIC CALIFORNIA BEACH red tide beach in florida (TriggerPhoto / Getty Images)The department said staff have been monitoring fish kills and taking water samples from Crystal Beach and Bolivar Penninsula south to the north jetty at Boliver Roads. Additional areas being monitored include southern Galveston Island from the south jetty for about 12 miles, including the Steward Beach and Pleasure Island Pier, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. WHAT VIRUSES MAKE UP A RED TIDE BLOOM? Biologists with the department started receiving reports of a red tide bloom off the Galveston coast on Sept. 8.