The City of Sanibel’s Department of Natural Resources inspected Sanibel beaches this morning, Monday, November 2, 2009. The field report is below:
From the east end of Sanibel Island:
Lighthouse Park
The beach side was virtually free of any dead fish and no respiratory symptoms (sore throat, shortness of breath, coughing) that are normally associated with red tide outbreaks were noted. On the bay side of the park, numerous, mostly small dead fish were noted, primarily several species of grunts.
Between Lighthouse Park and Gulfside Park
Approximately 1 small dead fish was observed for every 100 feet of shoreline and a very slight degree of respiratory irritation was noted at Gulfside Park.
Tarpon Bay Road Beach Access to West Gulf Drive Beach Access No. 1
No evidence of red tide was observed from Tarpon Bay Beach access to West Gulf Access 1.
West Gulf Drive Beach Access No. 5 and No. 7
Dead fish were present on the beach at accesses 5 and 7 at a density of approximately 1 per 20-25 feet. Fish were primarily 6- 8″ grunts, a needlefish, catfish, and 2 spider crabs were also observed.
Bowman’s Beach west to Blind Pass
At Bowman’s Beach west to Blind Pass, approximately 1 small dead fish per 100 feet was observed, with a higher density, of about one (1) fish every 10 feet’ were observed at Turner Beach on Captiva Island. A few mullet and Spanish mackerel were also observed. No respiratory irritation was noted at west end beaches.