'Devastating' dolphin loss in Florida red tide disaster

More than 100 tons of dead sea creatures have washed ashore beaches along Florida's Gulf coast, victims of the worst red tide in a decade. [AFP]

A state of emergency has been declared in Florida as the worst red tide in a decade blackens the ocean water, killing dolphins, sea turtles and fish at a relentless pace.

More than 100 tons of dead sea creatures have been shoveled up from smelly, deserted beaches in tourist areas along Florida's southwest coast as a result of the harmful algal bloom this month alone.