Red tide detected along the Galveston coast could reduce the availability of Gulf seafood and push up prices for restaurants if the bloom persists, although the Texas Restaurant Association says it is too early to assess the full impact.
Michael Shine, who represents the association, said restaurants had not yet reported supply problems but were monitoring the situation closely. “We’ve not heard anything yet from any restaurants,” he said. “Everyone’s taking a wait and see.”
Red tide raises concerns for Gulf seafood supply
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologists began receiving reports of the bloom on 8 September. Water samples collected around Crystal Beach, the Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island have shown moderate to high concentrations of red tide.
The department said fish kills were being monitored from Crystal Beach south to the north jetty at Bolivar Roads, as well as along the southern part of Galveston Island. The dead fish have mainly been Gulf menhaden and striped mullet, with smaller numbers of other species also reported.
Red tide is caused by a naturally occurring marine alga known as Karenia brevis. It produces toxins that can kill fish and marine life, potentially reducing the amount of locally caught seafood available to restaurants.
Shine said businesses that regularly serve fresh Gulf fish, including redfish, could face fewer choices or higher costs if local supplies were disrupted.
“If it is available, it’s gonna cost more money,” he said. “Depending on that cost, I may not put it on the menu today, or I may put it only on the weekends.”
Gulf oysters could be particularly vulnerable because shellfish can accumulate red tide toxins while filtering seawater. Restaurants and distributors may be able to source seafood from other parts of the Gulf, including Louisiana or Florida, if supplies from the Galveston area become more difficult to obtain.
The Texas Department of State Health Services says shellfish harvesting areas can be closed when harmful algal blooms are detected. It also says legally sold shellfish should be safe because it is harvested from areas not affected by the bloom and is subject to monitoring.
Fish, shrimp and crabs do not concentrate the same toxins, provided they are caught alive and appear healthy. However, officials advise people not to eat fish or shellfish found dead, washed ashore or floating in the water.
Health warning for Galveston beachgoers
Beachgoers have reported respiratory irritation in parts of the affected coastline. Red tide can release toxins into the air, causing coughing and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, particularly when wind and waves create sea spray.
People who develop breathing difficulties or irritation are advised to leave the beach and go indoors. Those with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more severely affected.
Texas Parks and Wildlife said the bloom was being monitored around Crystal Beach, southern Galveston Island, Steward Beach and Pleasure Island Pier. It warned that conditions can be patchy and advised people to check the latest information before visiting the coast.
The potential effect on Galveston’s restaurants and tourism will depend largely on how long the red tide remains in the area. For now, businesses are waiting to see whether the bloom eases or begins to affect local seafood supplies.
