Red tide spreading along Wicklow coast line

It sounds and looks like something from HG Wells "War of the worlds" but an algal bloom is spreading along Wicklow's coastline.

The algae responsible, karenia mikimotai, occurs naturally in Ireland's coastal waters during the summer months and is harmless to humans, but contains a "toxic irritant" that damages the gills of fish, shellfish and other marine species.

Fishermen in Arklow told Wicklownews.net today (Thursday) "It's a waste of time fishing at the moment as the Bass seem to know what is going on and won't come near the coast."

"People are along the beach and see the darkness of the river and blame the pollution from the town for the colour but at the moment it is the algal bloom."

An algal bloom off the west coast of Ireland this July was the reason for significant fish and shellfish kills from Galway to Donegal, according to the Marine Institute.

Our pictures show the red appearance in the sea at Arklow.