Harmful Algal Blooms

Description: Species of single-celled algae can increase in numbers through reproduction if the conditions are right. Ocean acidification allows for the conditions to favor algae production. The algae clump together to form blooms that can become far more harmful as some species of single-cell algae have greater effects than others.

Causes: Ocean acidification leads to greater nutrients to be absorbed in coastal waters. The abundance of nutrients and the overwhelming number of CO2 in the water creates the perfect environment for Harmful Algae Blooms.

Effects: Some species of single-cell algae can release harmful toxins. These toxins are absorbed into the tissue of shellfish. These toxins can kill the shellfish or be passed down to humans during consumption. Additionally, when algal blooms coat the surface of the ocean, it blocked the sunlight from other photosynthesizing organisms underneath. Thus preventing CO2 from being removed from the ocean and repurposed.