Sage-Tips

What is algal bloom and why is it dangerous?

Harmful algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria that can cause harm to people, animals, or the local ecology. These blooms can produce toxins that make people and animals sick. Blooms occur in fresh water, such as lakes and rivers, and salt water, such as oceans or bays.

How are algal blooms harmful to the ocean environment?

Algal blooms can reduce the ability of fish and other aquatic life to find food and can cause entire populations to leave an area or even die. Harmful algal blooms cause thick, green muck that impacts clear water, recreation, businesses and property values.

What are harmful algal blooms HABs and what symptoms do they cause?

The Bottom Line Warm temperatures, sunlight, and added nutrients can cause an overgrowth or “bloom” of algae in bodies of water. Some algae produce toxins that can poison people or animals when they swallow, swim in, or inhale the water or when they eat fish that live there.

What actions can be taken to reduce harmful algal blooms HABs in water?

Prevention and Treatment

• Introduce pond aeration and water movement through aerators or fountains.
• Pick up and dispose of pet waste, a common source of excess nutrients and bacteria.
• Install rain barrels throughout the community to reduce polluted runoff.

What effects do HABs have on South Carolina?

The lakes and ponds of North Carolina are increasingly impacted by HABs – harmful algal blooms. These naturally occurring, microbiotic bacteria (commonly referred to as “blue-green algae”) turn our slow-moving waters into neon green pools that can be toxic to aquatic life, pets and, potentially, humans.

Are algal blooms harmful?

No, not all algal blooms are harmful. These blooms occur when phytoplankton, which are tiny microscopic plants, grow quickly in large quantities while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. Not all algal blooms are harmful, some can actually be beneficial.

How do harmful algal blooms affect humans?

Harmful algal blooms can occur in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds, bays and coastal waters, and the toxins they produce can be harmful to human health and aquatic life. Harmful algal blooms release toxins that contaminate drinking water, causing illnesses for animals and humans.

What harmful effects can algae have on humans?

Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

What can you do about algal blooms?

If you see signs of a bloom, stay out of the water and keep your pets out of the water. You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful by looking at it, so it is best to use caution and stay away. Do not fish, swim, boat, or play water sports in areas where this is possible harmful algae or cyanobacteria.

What are the causes of algal blooms and how do algal blooms affect coral reefs?

Harmful algal blooms cloud surface waters, blocking sunlight and preventing the coral’s algae counterpart from growing food for itself and the coral. As the bloom dies and decays, the dissolved oxygen is depleted, causing the coral to suffocate.

What are some of the negative effects of HAB formation?

The environmental impact of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is both negative and extremely pervasive. Toxins released by these highly condensed, massive algal formations commonly harm aquatic life, compromise drinking water sources, and hinder water-reliant industries such as fishing and tourism.