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Red tide is present in Collier County, including at Marco Island's South Beach at levels that would cause respiratory irritation according to a prepared release by Collier County Pollution Control and Prevention.

Samples taken by the Collier County Environmental Health Department Monday indicate very low levels at South Beach indicating fish kills are unlikely there, but respiratory irritation is possible.

Red tide is also present at Barefoot Beach and Clams Pass at low levels indicating respiratory irritation and closure of shellfish harvesting in these two beach areas, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

Samples taken from the Naples Pier indicate red tide is not currently present there.

Collier County officials have not received any reports of dead fish or respiratory irritation; however, people with chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or emphysema, should avoid going to the beach as these illnesses can be aggravated by red tide, according to the announcement.

Offshore winds are predicted through Friday which should help minimize potential impacts at the beaches. The next sampling event will be Thursday.

NOAA satellite imagery is tracking an area of elevated chlorophyll located 22 miles west of Wiggins Pass extending northward to Sarasota County.

To report dead fish or red tide symptoms, call the Collier County Pollution Control and Prevention Department at (239) 252-2502. To speak to a health professional anytime call the Aquatic Toxins Hotline at 1-888-232-8635.

Collier County Red Tide Updates are also available on the Red Tide Hotline at (239) 252-2591. This is an automated recording with the most recent Red Tide information for Collier County available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Real-time beach reports are available from the Beach Conditions Reports for Southwest Florida website at mote.org/beaches. Click on your beach of choice and find out if there is any respiratory irritation, dead fish or red drift algae at that location. The website is updated twice a day, seven days a week.

For more information on red tide outbreaks in other areas of Florida, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) at (727) 896-8626 or visit their web site at floridamarine.org.