Authorities in Texas are alerting beach visitors about the presence of an algal bloom known as red tide, which has been linked to serious respiratory problems.
Texas Parks and Wildlife explains that red tide is a natural surge of microscopic algae that can be detrimental to marine life and cause breathing difficulties in people.
Officials are currently collecting water samples and monitoring reports of fish deaths from Crystal Beach and the Bolivar Peninsula to the north jetty at Bolivar Roads.
Additionally, Texas Parks and Wildlife mentions that their monitoring efforts cover about 12 miles of southern Galveston Island, including Steward Beach and Pleasure Island Pier.
Water samples collected on Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach, and Galveston Island, Texas from Sep 6-13 have detected red tide (caused by Karenia brevis). We are predicting a HIGH risk of respiratory irritation in Galveston County over the next 36 hours. https://t.co/KmqqoFqvIv pic.twitter.com/n0CvOY4eId
— NOAA Coastal Ocean Science (@noaacoastalsci) September 14, 2026
Biologists from the department started tracking the red tide in Galveston after receiving notifications on September 8.
Recent lab analyses show moderate to high levels of harmful cells in the coastal waters, with some visitors already experiencing breathing issues—from mild discomfort to severe irritation.
The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science notes that several beaches are facing a moderate to high risk of respiratory problems in the near future, particularly when onshore winds occur, while offshore winds usually provide some relief.
Red tide, which contains the alga Karenia brevis, produces a strong toxin called brevetoxin. This toxin affects fish by targeting their central nervous systems, leading to paralysis and compromised gill function, which often results in dead fish along the Gulf Coast.
