Dear Martin,

The American Indians no doubt witnessed Red Tides.

Perhaps earlier, the Hebrew Bible seems to have chronicled their
occurrence, and Talmudic Law may have drawn some of its dietary
proscriptions from their health consequences. See Exodus, Leviticus,
and/or <http://www.jaxshells.org/mollusk2.htm>.

Harry


At 12:19 AM 12/30/2007, you wrote:
>I don't know what cases the tide but reports of the tide have been occurring
>since the early days of Spanish explorers which noted them.
>[ some ''research '' suggest iron placed in the ocean - busted so it seems ]
>[ some ''research '' suggest man made pollution. Highly doubtful since the
>    Indians would have created the problem.]
>
>I have seen them in the South Pacific, West Coast of the USA and know of
>the
>East coast issues.
>
>Typically we hear that shell fish are not available to eat because...Red
>Tide.
>
>Four, 4, Toxins are shellfish based one is fish.  That is the toxins give
>Neurotoxic, paralytic, amnesic, diarrhetic and finally ciguatera (fish)
>poisoning
>to Man.  Four are the shell fish - so I suspect they attack the shell fish
>as well.
>
>algae bloom generates a toxic chemical mix.   Bad news for certain!
>
>Martin
>
>Robert Lipe wrote:
>>Our real problem which is a thousand times worse than collecting shells
>>is the RED TIDE.  The waters of the West coast of Florida has been
>>devastated several times by the red tide and a few years ago it was
>>unbelievable according to the divers and fishing boat captains whom I
>>have talked to.  Grouper and snapper down to 100 ft. were killed.  Deer
>>cowries were lying all over the bottom around the reefs off of Tampa
>>Bay.  The fish can go to deeper water, but the shells have to stay put.
>>We still haven't recovered, but are somewhat better, until the next red
>>tide comes along, and it will.  The only good thing that happens when
>>the red tide comes, it kills most of the tiny organisms that drill into
>>the shells.  If a red tide is mild the larger shells for a couple of
>>years are worm free. I have seen at least 10 red tides over the past 50
>>years, and they are not pretty. I think we are polluting the ocean. We
>>dump so much trash into the Gulf and the Oceans. We are the cause of
>>this problem. Just my opinion of course.
>>
>>Bob
>>
>>Robert Lipe Specimens
>>www.theshellstore.com
>>348 Corey Ave
>>St. Pete Beach, Fl 33706
>>
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
>>marlo
>>Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 7:16 PM
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Thoughts on shell collecting
>>
>>
>>The issue I raised was not collect or not to collect.  Most of you are
>>looking at this from extremes.  I only brought up the issue of limiting
>>collecting to certain purposes to avoid wiping out populations in
>>diminishing habitats and assure the continuing existence of shell
>>populations in these diminishing locales.  There are many contributors,
>>of which specimen collecting may be but a tiny part.  But, the reality
>>is that development will continue and shoreline habitat is being
>>diminished.  Over collecting from diminishing habitats by those seeking
>>food, large quantities of shells for craft, trade or sale, or any other
>>purpose can and has wiped out shell populations.  And, where, as in the
>>Florida Keys, Sanibel, and other areas, restrictions have been imposed,
>>many shell populations are returning despite the continuing development.
>>
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>>
>
>--
>Martin H. Eastburn
>@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
>TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
>NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
>IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
>http://lufkinced.com/
>
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