Explain in two short sentences. Are there any biological factors at play? For example, how do the toxins that some species involved in red waves release affect the organisms that eat them?

Answer 1

Yes, biological factors are at play during red tide events, as certain phytoplankton species produce toxins that can accumulate in the marine food web. When organisms such as fish and shellfish consume these toxic phytoplankton, they can suffer from harmful effects, leading to neurological damage or death, and can also pose health risks to humans when these contaminated organisms are consumed.