Cavaliere, V. (2015, June 17). Toxic algae bloom off West Coast might be largest ever – British Columbia – CBC News. Retrieved August 23, 2015. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/toxic-algae-bloom-off-west-coast-might-be-largest-ever-1.3116914
The west coast is currently experiencing its largest toxic algae bloom in human history, which first became apparent in May. It extends from northern California into British Columbia. Researchers say the microscopic algae are producing domoic acid, which could have fatal effects on humans. The outbreak is raising heath concerns over seafood consumption, since marine life could contain increased levels of domoic acid. Researchers are monitoring the bloom, and this could lead to the closure of some fishing areas along the west coast.
Once called the “red tide”, which previously appeared periodically on a much smaller scale, this larger episode has the potential to dramatically impact the entire west coast marine food chain, and therefore ecosystem. This is because the toxins are consumed by plankton, which form the most basic foundation of the food chain. The magnitude of this phenomenon suggests a correlation with rising aquatic temperatures associated with climate change.
Wow, this is terrible! Not only is the toxic algae bloom causing a health concern for us, but more importantly it is hurting other animals who are eating the fish and don’t know it is a health concern. Also, algae blooms in general hurt aquatic life so, all in all this environmental issue needs to be addressed! I’m not sure what the exact cause of this toxic algae bloom is but, I’m guessing that farming had a part in this. If so, the government really needs to take make regulations that work to prevent algae blooms which would prevent a whole lot of other consequent environmental issues.
I agree with you that agriculture is most likely the cause of the algae bloom. I appreciate your comment and interest in my post.