The yellow color of the water is a sign that red tide once again is affecting Sanibel Island, according to one scientist, concentrations are highest at the Sanibel boat ramp, but they don't know yet how toxic it is.
Thousands of dead sardines are washing up on Sanibel's Nerita Beach, most likely killed by toxic red tide.
"We've been coughing like mad we're down here for an hour or two, burning nostrils it's not pleasant," Chris Boesen, Sanibel resident.
Red tide happens naturally, but scientists are trying to figure out whether freshwater from the Caloosahatchee makes the bloom more intense.
"I don't like t that's for sure and i see it as a question and I can pick my days to come to he beach and just avoid some days not coming down here," Boesen said.
For visitors, avoiding red tide can be more complicated, some people tell us they are willing to deal with its affects during a short stay on a beautiful island
Lauren: "Does it keep you away?"
"Not even a little bit and that's partly because we're from Michigan to be outdoors we'll take anything," said visitor Ann McDaniel.
The best way to avoid red tide is to stay upwind of the water. Pay attention for an itchy scratchy throat feeling that may be a sign of the toxin and don't eat or let your pets eat anything dead that washes up on shore.