Mystery Indian River Algae Identified, Dissipating

TITUSVILLE, Florida -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) reported this week during its Red Tide Status Report that as of October 5, 2012:

"In the northern Indian River Lagoon, there is a bloom of the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense.   There has also been a bloom of the brown tide organism Aureoumbra lagunensis (previously described as an unidentified pelagophyte) in this area and in the Mosquito Lagoon since mid-July. Yet, recent samples suggest this bloom is dissipating.  Both bloom organisms have discolored the water brown to red, and associated fish kills have previously been reported. "


Aureoumbra lagunensis is a brown tide most commonly found on the U.S. Gulf Coast, particularly in Texas.

Also, Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was not present in samples collected by the FWC this week inshore of Volusia County or in the Indian River Lagoon system in Brevard County.