State wildlife officials say genetic and toxin testing of an algae bloom off Northeast Florida found it was Karenia papilionacea, not the harmful red tide species Karenia brevis. The related organism produces little to no toxins, clearing the coast of the toxic red tide concern.
WHO:Florida state wildlife officials; scientists conducting genetic and toxin testing
WHAT:Lab genetic and toxin tests determined the algae bloom was Karenia papilionacea rather than Karenia brevis, a species associated with toxic red tide.
WHEN:Reported Sep 11, 2026 at 3:47 PM ET
WHERE:Northeast Florida
WHY:Genetic and toxin testing showed the bloom was a different algae species that produces little to no toxins.
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