United States: Huge Toxic Algae Bloom Hits West Coast

15/09/2015

     An extraordinarily large mass of toxic algae off the West Coast of the US has prompted state agencies to shut down crab and clam fisheries in at least 2 states, and is posing risks to recreational fishing and marine life. The phenomenon is sometimes called "red tide" since algae can give the water a rust-like color. But the term "red tide" is actually a misnomer, Trainer said. The blooms are not always red, and they are not associated with tides. Also, they are dangerous to marine animals and humans who are exposed to high levels of domoic acid.     “Red tide” was collected off the coast of Oregon, US in May 2015        Blooms are common, but some of the data suggest the current one may be the biggest in at least a decade. Scientists are concerned about domoic acid, a compound produced by a species of algae that can cause a variety of harmful symptoms.      Scientists such as Trainer say the bloom may be connected to a large patch of warm water in the Pacific, but they cannot yet say for sure.      It has been responsible for seizures and deaths in California sea lion populations that eat contaminated fish. The number of sea lions affected by "sea lion sickness" has increased dramatically in recent years. Domoic acid is produced by a particular species of algae-called Pseudo-nitzschia-that is just one of the many species of algae making up the bloom.   Hồng Nhung