Red tide is in effect, so please contact the park at (361)949-8068 for more information before visiting.

Red Tide has been reported at the National Seashore and we ask park visitors to be cautious, especially children and visitors with breathing problems, as Red Tide can irritate the respiratory system, eyes and throat. Also, thousands of dead fish are decomposing and their bones and barbs (especially the Hard Head Catfish) can cause flat tires in vehicle traveling down island, and can also injure your foot if you are barefooted.

Red tide is a naturally occurring, higher-than-usual concentration of the microscopic algae Karenia brevis. The algae produce a toxin that affects the central nervous system of fish, so that they are paralyzed and cannot breathe. As a result, Red Tide blooms often result in dead fish washing up on the beach. When Red Tide algae reproduce in dense concentrations, or "blooms," they are sometimes visible as discolored patches of ocean water, often reddish in color. High concentrations of microscopic algae in the rough surf can cause the irritants to become suspended in the salt spray when the waves break. Red Tide affects people, and especially pets, which are near the seashore

For more information on Red Tide follow this link.

If you are with a news or media organization and would like information about the park or any of the current issues facing the park, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 361.949.8173, extension 229.