Excess Nutrients May Spur Algal Blooms

Post 1972

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Major or Recurring Harmful Algal Blooms, Before and After 1972 (2 of 2)

One of the more troubling aspects of this nutrient assault on aquatic systems has been a steady rise in toxic algal blooms, which can take a heavy toll on fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. For more information see http://www.wri.org/trends/nutrient.html.

Source: Donald Anderson, “Expansion of HAB Problems in the U.S., “National Office for Marine Biotoxins and Harmful Algal Blooms, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Available online at: http://habserv1.whoi.edu/hab/HABdistribution/habexpand.html (February 10, 1998).

Note: The increase in algal blooms may be attributable to a number of causes, including an increase in waterborne nutrients from human activities.