Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms

Cross section of water with a concentration of a substance in part of it. Caption: Blooms can also deplete oxygen from the water,

Algae play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. They provide food for all sorts of species, but in rare instances, they can also do harm. Harmful algal blooms occur when colonies of certain types of algae grow out of control and produce toxins that enter the food chain through fish and shellfish. Eventually, the toxins can kill larger marine animals like sea lions, manatees, turtles, and dolphins. It also makes shellfish unsafe for human consumption.

(Source: DCMP)

Metadata

Files 1

  • Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms

    Type:
    Video
    Format:
    Streaming
    Accommodations:
    English Audio Descriptions - Visual, English Captions - Auditory
    Languages:
    English
    License:
    OER
    Author:
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    Length:
    3 minutes