Whether we’re talking about the Great Lakes, the California coast or the Gulf of Mexico, summer means green slime can be expected to foul waterways and create unpleasant and often unsafe conditions for boaters.
Harmful algal blooms are becoming more and more common across America, from freshwater systems to saltwater shores. It’s time states, if not the federal government, declare an emergency and seriously address the sources with regulations and investments.
The poor water quality from algal blooms can affect human health, wildlife, economies, ecosystems and more. The primary trigger of the blooms is phosphorus and nitrogen runoff into waterways, a phenomenon known as nutrient pollution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nutrient pollution is a problem in more than 33% of lakes and 50% of rivers and streams.
The algae problem is well-documented in the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie. Meanwhile, the Marine Industries Association of Southwest Florida & Tampa Bay has issued a warning of algal blooms along the Gulf Coast. And in the West, California is the latest area to see the impacts of uncontrolled algae. Sea lions and dolphins are dying along the Southern/central California coast.
Since mid-May, a volunteer-led organization has responded to hundreds of dead and dying marine mammals in the aftermath of a toxic algal bloom that experts describe as the largest in Southern California’s recent history, from San Diego to Santa Barbara. Scientists estimate more than 500 sick and dying sea lions and at least 100 deceased dolphins have washed ashore, and the problem could reach the San Francisco Bay area.
Further, the ingested algae can trigger erratic and aggressive behavior. An estimated 20 or more sea lions reportedly have bitten surfers, divers and beachgoers in California during the past month, according to John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles.
In Florida, algal blooms are hitting prime boating areas from Lake Okeechobee in the middle of the state out the Caloosahatchee River to the west coast and out the St. Lucie River to the east coast. The top trigger in Florida is the sugar industry. However, animal waste also is a big contributor when manure is improperly managed.
In Ohio and western Lake Erie, manure from huge, confined animal feeding operations is spread as farm fertilizer, which eventually washes into streams and rivers that terminate in Lake Erie. Voluntary rules to control how manure is handled have failed to stop the problem, resulting in a call for mandatory regulation.
In fresh water, cyanobacteria blooms are the most common, though they can also occur in brackish and saltwater environments. Cyanobacteria undergo photosynthesis and are most often referred to as blue-green algae or green slime. Some types of cyanobacteria can produce dangerous cyanotoxins.
People can be exposed to the toxins by swallowing or swimming in affected waters, eating tainted fish or shellfish, or simply breathing in affected areas. Depending on the level of exposure and the type of toxin, health consequences can be mild to severe. Pets are vulnerable, too, particularly dogs.
Of course, nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for plant growth and our food supply. They can even be a natural part of the marine ecosystem, although usually inactive. However, when nutrient runoff turns our waterways into unhealthy places to live and recreate, taking necessary regulatory actions is a no-brainer.
