Agency Says Red Tide Not Harmful

A red tide along the King County shoreline of Puget Sound is the bloom of a naturally occurring algae and is not harmful to people or shellfish, the state Department of Health said Sunday.

The algae is called Noctiluca scintillans, and the bloom may last for two or three days.

“This algae is of no threat to people or pets,” said Frank Cox, a spokesman for the state.