MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Last year's red tide episode may be partially to blame for the extent of the blue-green algae bloom that's been making its home in Manatee County waterways, a county official confirmed Monday.
- RELATED: DEP: Blue-Green Algae to Blame for Green Water in Manatee River
- Blue-green algae grows as it helps decompose dead fish, detritus
- Massive fish kill from 2018 red tide contributing to high blue-green algae response
- Rep. Vern Buchanan, joined state, county officials to examine water conditions Monday
According to Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Manatee County Parks and Recreation, this type of blue-green algae grows as it helps to decompose dead fish and detritus. It is also fueled by nutrients that leak into waterways, such a fertilizer and runoff.
"Because we had an abnormally high mortality with red tide, we now have an abnormally high response from the algae communities," he said.
A few different variations of blue-green algae have been detected in more than a dozen spots in the Manatee River and surrounding canals over the last month.
On Monday, Rep. Vern Buchanan was joined by state Rep. Will Robinson and Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore as they looked at water conditions in different areas of Robinson Preserve.
They noted that while some areas of the preserve were in better shape than before they were cleaned up last week, a rotten odor was still present in certain areas.
Hunsicker stated that the county still has work to do when it comes to storm water systems and ways to reduce runoff. Buchanan stated he wanted to work with local leaders to help with any issues in the waterways.
"It's not going to go completely away — it's going to come and go, but we want to minimize it when we can," he said. "Then make sure if we need additional support, we'll provide that."