This week marks the end of our summer algae monitoring program in #SFBay for 2024. In August, our sampling confirmed a bloom of Heterosigma akashiwo—the species that proliferated into devastating blooms in 2022 & 2023—in #Alameda. Luckily, it dissipated within a couple of weeks.

Our team also found elevated Chaetoceros algae in the Bay, which aren't toxic but can cause fish kills. We're keeping an eye on the algae with our partners at NOAA.

Pictured here are microscope closeups of Bay algae from our sampling: Chaetoceros (1st slide) and Heterosigma akashiwo (2nd slide) -- aren't they pretty??

#harmfulalgaebloom #harmfulalgae #pollution #sanfranciscobay

Learn about our new #algae monitoring program—and our field investigator's deep love of #phytoplankton—in this great interview with KCBS Radio: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/kcbs-radio-on-demand-011f4/episodes/local-scientists-are-investigating-an-algal-bloom-poisoning-thousands-of-fish-20e02

#harmfulalgaebloom #harmfulalgae #HABs #sfbay #sanfranciscobay

Our local town pond is closed because of #HarmfulAlgae blooms.

Algal Blooms in Maine Lakes

"Most freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are caused by a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. Under certain conditions, the cyanobacteria can quickly multiply and many species of the bacteria can produce toxins that can cause rashes, nausea, diarrhea, and in severe cases death."

https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/lakes/algalbloom.html

#AlgaeBlooms #Maine #HABs #MaineLakes #WaterIsLife #Cyanobacteria #Toxic #Fishing #Swimming #Pets #Wildlife

I wonder if #Gambierdiscus is the cause? They have been testing for #RedTide, but have they been testing for Gambierdiscus?

Disoriented pelican found on Marco Island may have red tide poisoning, experts say

By CNN
May 23, 2024

A brown #pelican discovered on #MarcoIsland last week is presumed to have red tide poisoning, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

"'Typically, we first get the notion that red tide is around when birds are sick,' said Dr. Michael Parsons, of the Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University.

"The seabird was spotted disoriented on the beach, according to a release. Despite those symptoms, which are common with the #neurotoxic algae, no red tide has been detected in our area, per the Florida Department of Health in Collier County.

"'We have no signs of red tide around, FWC is aware of this situation and will be monitoring it more closely,' Parsons said."

Read more:
https://wsvn.com/news/local/florida/disoriented-pelican-found-on-marco-island-may-have-red-tide-poisoning-experts-say/

#ToxicAlgae #HABs #HarmfulAlgae #ciguatoxins #CFP

The Bay has experienced harmful algae blooms 2 years in a row ☹️

📢 We need your help to prevent future outbreaks!

Tell the Water Board to follow the science & reduce the pollution that leads to algae growth: https://baykeeper.org/action-alert/algae-blooms-new-normal

#algae #harmfulalgaeblooms #harmfulalgae #waterpollution #sanfranciscobay

Fresh water is “rushing like a firehose out of the delta” into the Bay says Baykeeper scientist @jarosenfield, and that’s helping to repress fish-killing #algalblooms--for now.

But we will need MAJOR wastewater upgrades to prevent red tides like the one we experienced last summer! https://sfchronicle.com/climate/article/san-francisco-bay-water-17923903.php #harmfulalgae #harmfulalgaeblooms #redtide #cawater #californiawater