Record numbers of dead manatees are washing along the Florida coast, and experts say it’s because of red algae.

State biologists say up to 10-manatees are dying daily because of the red algae bloom off the south Florida coast. With the tide showing no signs of moving, the death toll’s expected to climb. There’s a toxin in the algae that causes the manatees to stop breathing. 11-manatees have been rescued so far. The Red Tide bloom covers about 70 miles of the southwest Florida coast, from Sarasota County south through Lee County. Southwest Florida’s home for about 40% of the 4 to 5-thousand manatees in Florida.

Story Blogged at 03-10-13 21:35 by djennings