As soon as Larry moved in with Betty, he joined the turtle patrol. She lived on the beach as a child. It’s no surprise she bought a beach house.

Larry was a conservationist all his life. He walked the beach to stay healthy while ensuring the safety of the turtles. Watching the hatchling emerge and make their way to shore was environmentally impactful. 

Recently, the red tide was getting worse. The smell of dead fish washing ashore could be seen from their porch. An overabundance of algae, some said. No one knew for sure, all speculation. 

Upside, fewer tourists visiting.

2020©Isadora DeLaVega

Word Count: 100

Genre: Flash Fiction

Photo Prompt:©Sandra Crook

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*****Red tide is a common name for algal blooms, which are large concentrations of aquatic microorganisms, such as protozoans and unicellular algae (e.g. dinoflagellates and diatoms). The upwelling of nutrients from the seafloor, often following massive storms, provides for the algae and triggers bloom events. Harmful algal blooms can occur worldwide, and natural cycles can vary regionally.

The growth and persistence of an algal bloom depends on wind direction and strength, temperature, nutrients, and salinity. Red tide species can be found in oceans, bays, and estuaries, but they cannot thrive in freshwater environments.©wikipedia

A short video for the impact Red Tide has on beaches ….

The scenic drive to my beach … In 2019, Red Tide had cleared.