Red Tide Rising

Red tide is again spreading down the Northeast coast. The last big outbreak of the toxic algae blooms was in 2005, when it caused environmental and economic havoc.

That cost the fishing industry tens of millions of dollars and also affected the tourism and restaurant businesses.

To talk about what's happening in Massachusetts this year, WBUR's Bob Oakes turns to Mike Hickey. He's the chief shellfish biologist for the state's Division of Marine Fisheries.

Hickey starts by explaining how red tide has already caused the closure of some shell fishing beds this season.