Seeing Red?
 Red tide may make swimming unpleasant, but is it really a health
hazard? Only if you make your own Shore Dinner, say tide experts.
What we call red tide is actually a
"bloom" of algae in our waters. Most red algae species are not
hazardous to swimmers, but a few pose a threat to shellfish eaters.
Shellfish, including clams, oysters, quahogs, mussels and scallops, filter
the water around themselves in order to find food. In the process, they
may ingest algae that is harmful to humans. The algae's toxin becomes
concentrated in the shellfish. A single oyster can filter up to 7 gallons
of water per hour. Non-filter feeders, such as lobsters, crabs and shrimp,
are not affected by red tide blooms.
In New England, shellfishing waters
are routinely screened for dangerous levels of the algae, and strict laws
prohibit fishing in algae-prone areas. Digging
for shellfish in illegal areas carries hefty fines and potential health
risks. If the red tide is especially thick, beaches may be closed to
protect swimmers.
The best advice is that if you are
unsure of where a shellfish has come from, don't eat it. No amount of
cooking will make it safe.
Feeling clammy? 
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