A dangerous algal bloom is a nutrient-depleting hazard that perish fish populations. This type of alga also depletes the water of oxygen, leaving little room for other marine life. In the past week, tests have shown extremely low levels of oxygen in the water. This could be because the algae is producing a toxin that take out fish or because the decomposing bodies of fish are using up oxygen. However, scientists are not sure yet.
Heterosigma algal bloom
Despite a recent spate of fish deaths in California’s San Francisco Bay, scientists are still unsure about the impact of Heterosigma akashiwo, an algae bloom found in the bay. The bloom has been known to deplete dissolved oxygen and can make fish perish in several ways. In addition, it can negatively impact the health of humans and pets. Regardless, scientists urge caution and cautionary measures.
Scientists are worried about the impact the toxic algal bloom is having on seabirds. In addition to destroying fish, the algae bloom can harm seabirds, such as the brown pelican. The Golden Gate Audubon Society says hundreds of brown pelicans have been found sick and decease along the California coast. Although no other environmental contaminants have been found in the birds’ bodies, Phillips believes the bloom is responsible. The toxic algal bloom releases a frothy substance that can damage a bird’s feathers and prevent it from diving or hunting.
Heterosigma akashiwo has been associated with numerous fish depletion around the world. The bloom in the San Francisco Bay has been causing problems in California since last July. Tests show that the algae are consuming large amounts of oxygen in the water. This leaves little oxygen for other marine life.
The toxic algae maybe be causing the deaths of thousands of fish. The perished fish are washed ashore in the Bay Area. The algae take out fish by reducing dissolved oxygen levels. The Bay Area is currently experiencing a red tide.
Golden alga
Golden algal blooms are a common cause of death for fish in many waters. They can last for several days or may occur a few times throughout the year.
Golden algae produce toxins which are harmful to gill-breathing organisms. These toxins destroy gill cells and impair the ability of fish to exchange water and absorb oxygen, resulting in their demise. This phenomenon is called asphyxia. However, there are several ways to alleviate the problem.
The growth of algae is caused by an increase in nutrients from human wastes and fertilizers. It is also apparently triggered by increased temperatures and prolonged sunlight. Several other factors may be contributing to the growth of algae. One possibility is climate change. In the Bay Area, little rainfall is expected, which may worsen the situation.
Golden algae can be fatal to fish in small ponds and lagoons. The bloom may last for days, weeks, or even months. It is usually seasonal and varies from lake to lake. During colder weather, golden algae are more prevalent, but they can also happen in warmer months. A prolonged perishment can have detrimental long-term effects on fisheries and affect local businesses and parks.
Lake Elsinore
Lake Elsinore is one of the many bodies of water in California that are susceptible to dangerous algal blooms. The lake’s water quality is already impacted but the algae bloom has also caused depletion of fish in the area. The city is looking for innovative solutions to control the algae growth. The city has also been conducting a study to determine the best precautions and management practices.
In addition, pets should be kept away from the water as the algae can cause rashes and allergic reactions. Water quality in the area will be reportedly monitored regularly.
Affected areas may include Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake, the two largest natural freshwater reservoirs in southern California. They are fed by the San Jacinto River. Because of the recent drought in California, the water in Lake Elsinore is now apparently only 15 feet deep.
Lake Merritt
Residents in Oakland, California, have noticed thousands of perished fish floating around the lake. Public works crews have been cleaning the lake’s surface to rid it of the rot. In addition to the perished fish, the lake’s surface is also covered in floating material. This is raising concerns about the impacts of climate change.
The cause of this occurrence is unknown, but experts believe the water is affected by an algal bloom that can affect fish populations. The blooms are typically caused by the right combination of temperature, salinity, and nutrients. Media reports have called the perished fish a “unprecedented” death toll of marine life. Despite the uncertainty, researchers are working to learn more about this before the evidence disappears.
Algae are known to produce a toxin that is toxic to fish. They also deplete water oxygen. As a result, perished fish can wash ashore and suffocate. Scientists are trying to understand why the algae are taking out fish and what caused them to bloom in the first place. Warm water, sunlight, and nutrients from wastewater are all suspected causes of the bloom. As algae grow, they consume oxygen, which can make them very toxic.
Because of the growing amount of toxic algae, the water temperatures in Lake Merritt are becoming warmer. Which could eventually harm the ecosystem. Locals have documented the presence of thousands of depleted fish in the lake.
Climate change
Scientists are concerned that climate change is causing a rash of harmful algal blooms, which can deplete fish populations and shellfish. Algae blooms in California’s waters have a long history, and some scientists are predicting that this problem will get worse with global warming. Some marine mammals are also at risk.
The state’s water resources control board is working with local agencies to monitor for and manage harmful algal blooms. The group, called the California Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Alert Program, provides regular updates on current blooms.
Researchers have found that high levels of carbon dioxide in the water are an important factor in the growth of these algae. This problem can be exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought. Similarly, warmer temperatures help toxic blue-green algae grow faster. Meanwhile, climate change is expected to increase the intensity of coastal up-welling, a natural process that draws nutrients from the ocean floor to coastal areas.
As the algae grow and decompose, they take up oxygen in the water, leaving little to no oxygen for fish and other marine life. Tests have confirmed that the levels of oxygen in the water have been extremely low for the past week, and the algae have been depleting fish populations.
Human wastewater
The sparkling waters along California’s southern coast appear pristine and healthy on the surface, but a deeper look reveals a different story. In reality, the water could contain large quantities of algae and low oxygen levels. This happens because the state’s 23 million residents produce tons of sewage each day and have reportedly dropped it deep into the ocean. Usually it’s a mix of untreated sewage and industrial wastewater, and it is this combination could be causing the algae blooms.
The California Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Alert Program brings together scientists, water quality managers, and universities to identify areas affected by harmful algal blooms and to alert the public to the hazard.
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Provided by Antonio Westley
Disclaimer: This article is meant to be seen as an overview of this subject and not a reflection of viewpoints or opinions as nothing is definitive. So, make sure to do your research and feel free to use this information at your own discretion.
