Diners could have fewer seafood choices if a red tide bloom along the Galveston coast raises costs for Texas restaurants.
Here's what to know
Southern Galveston Island and Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula are among the locations where Texas Parks and Wildlife has reported red tide, according to FOX 26 Houston.
Fish deaths caused by red tide can leave restaurants with less locally caught seafood to buy. The naturally occurring algae blooms can release toxins harmful to both people and marine life.
Respiratory irritation, changes in water color, and dead fish can signal red tide.
The bloom's duration will help determine its effect on local businesses. The Texas Restaurant Association said it cannot assess how those businesses will be affected.
"We've not heard anything yet from any restaurants," said Michael Shine, a representative of the association. "Everyone's taking a wait and see."
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More background
Already-high food bills could climb further for restaurants buying fresh Gulf fish if the bloom adds to their expenses.
Businesses' food costs have risen substantially, Shine said, according to FOX 26 Houston.
Temporary menu changes are one possibility for restaurants that regularly serve redfish. The fish is among the seafood that could become scarcer or more expensive.
A disruption to local oyster supplies could leave businesses that depend on them struggling to find stock. Shine singled out Gulf oysters as particularly susceptible to the bloom.
What's being done?
Florida and Louisiana offer alternative Gulf Coast seafood sources, Shine said, giving businesses options beyond the affected Texas coast.
Oysters harvested in Texas waters are among the seafood closely monitored by the Texas Department of State Health Services for sale in grocery stores and restaurants, Dr. Michael Wetz of the Harte Research Institute said.
A shortage or a higher price does not mean restaurants are receiving unsafe seafood. Shine emphasized that distributors will not supply products that fail to meet quality requirements.
"If it is available, it's gonna cost more money," Shine said. "Depending on that cost, I may not put it on the menu today, or I may put it only on the weekends."
Where can I learn more?
Water-related problems can disrupt fisheries and strain coastal communities well beyond Galveston.
• Texas officials say stormwater likely caused fish deaths in Houston's Brays Bayou, sparking concern.
• Massachusetts oyster farmers say sewage-linked closures are pushing South Coast farms to the brink.
• Louisiana fishers sued Venture Global, saying LNG dredging buried traps and muddied oysters.
• Key West officials called rotting sargassum an emergency while pursuing a beach cleanup pilot.
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