![]() This serves as an early warning system to protect drinking water supplies. Tampa Bay Water monitors all our sources for indicators and precursors to potential algal blooms. Learn more about harmful algal blooms from the EPA and cyanotoxins from the AWWA. Although the exact triggers for red tide are not well known, the growth and movement of these blooms depends on coastal currents, wind, temperature, nutrients and salinity. These algal blooms in coastal areas of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico can release toxins that can cause illness in humans, make fish or shellfish dangerous to eat, and/or result in major fish kills and death of wildlife. Red tide is another type of algal bloom caused by naturally occurring algae in marine waters. Excess nutrients can make their way into water sources through wastewater, stormwater runoff and agricultural runoff. Blue-green algae blooms in our region are commonly caused by the presence of excess nutrients, specifically phosphate and nitrogen, and rising temperatures. Two main types of algal toxins are monitored in the Tampa Bay region: blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) and red tide.īlue-green algae (cyanobacteria) are organisms commonly found in freshwater sources. Certain types of algae pose drinking water concerns when present in high concentrations (blooms). DEP algal bloom sampling status website.Many types of naturally occurring algae are present in surface waters. To learn if a body of water has been tested for harmful algal blooms, visit the N.J. Nevertheless, it seldom happens at the Jersey Shore, he added. There is an "emerging problem of cyanobacterial toxins being found in marine shellfish in estuaries, but it is unclear if this is a threat to human consumers," said Kate Silverstein, public affairs officer from the National Ocean Service.Ĭhanges in precipitation patterns and runoff from farms and land into waterways are two elements causing these toxic blooms to sprout more often, Hales said. While harmful algal blooms are commonly observed in freshwater, it can also happen in seawater. There's no doubt that (urban) development right off the water’s edge does contribute to the abundance of HAB (harmful algal bloom),” said Hales, who is also a fish and wildlife biologist. “The problem has become more frequent in the last few years. The bacteria will typically clear out on its own, but chemicals are used when levels are very high.ĭogs and immune-compromised children tend to be more susceptible to cyanotoxin, which can provoke short-term health issues but rarely death, said Stan Hales, director of Barnegat Bay Partnership, an environmental organization. When the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen increase in water bodies, the bacteria feeds from it and grows, making the water more toxic. While it is colloquially referred to as algae, the toxic organism is a bacteria, often cyanobacteria, with characteristics that resemble an aquatic plant. These blooms are a growing global problem. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Hotter temperatures and increased pollution from human activity are the cause of the growing issue, said officials from the N.J. In the past five years, harmful algal blooms in New Jersey became about 40% more frequent, mostly affecting freshwater bodies. Officials advise caution when swimming or boating on the reservoir, and eating fish and drinking water from the reservoir should be avoided. ![]() The Manasquan Reservoir is under watch for possible contamination. ![]() None of those advisories are for waterways in Ocean County.Īn alert has been issued for Sunset Lake, where visitors should avoid fishing, drinking the water and swimming. They’re among 69 lakes throughout New Jersey under watch or with restrictions on swimming, fishing and drinking because of the bacteria, according to the DEP Harmful Algal Bloom Response Program. Two Monmouth County bodies of water are under advisories for potentially harmful levels of toxic bacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae. ![]() Manasquan Reservoir is not under an "alert" it is under a "watch" and being monitored for bacterial levels. EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information that was provided by a spokesperson from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. ![]()
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