11. Leading marine researchers say harmful algae blooms like the ones that cause red tide are on the increase in waters around the world, but nobody is certain why. 12. Locals say they know not to eat the fish at certain times of the year when algae blooms from the sewage cause illness. 13. One theory is that a coastal algae bloom decayed, and another bloom developed from it. 14. Researchers say the runoff fuels algae blooms that eventually die and decompose, depleting oxygen in the water and leaving vast areas in which marine life cannot survive. 15. The algae blooms worsened two years ago when a lack of rain increased the salt content of the bay and further threw off its biological balance. 16. The eutrophic nature of the sea and abundant algae bloom give it a pervasive, pungent aroma and large, smelly fish kills. 17. The runoff also contributes to massive algae blooms that literally choke salmon in their ocean pens by consuming all the oxygen in the water. 18. The unexpected algae bloom produced toxins that killed thousands of fish, mostly rough fish but also large numbers of striped bass and largemouth bass. 19. Thermal photographs taken by the pilot allow scientists to identify algae blooms and other irregularities, and Baywatch volunteers then collect water samples and readings for laboratory analysis. 20. This excess phosphorus and nitrogen produces algae blooms, discoloration and foul odors. |