On their own, algae are harmless and integral to Earth's various ecosystems. They form a base for the food chain, providing sustenance for many animals. On occasion, they play a more sinister role. Under certain conditions, these plants grow out of control in what scientists call algae blooms. These blooms choke out plant life and can sometimes exude neurotoxins powerful enough to cause fatal diseases to humans and animals

Although there are several elements known to cause harmful algae blooms, it is unclear how these components interact to cause an algae bloom. When occurring on their own, algae blooms are natural and important for ecosystems, but it appears that human activities that disrupt ecosystems are responsible for their increased frequency and intensity. Higher nutrient loadings, all sources of pollution, altered food webs, invasive species, altered river flow, and climate change are all factors.

Numerous algae species thrive when the wind and water currents are favorable, according to studies. They may also be related to "overfeeding" in other situations. This happens when nutrients (mostly nitrogen and phosphorus) from sources like lawns and farms run into bays, rivers, and the sea and build up at a rate that "overfeeds" the algae that naturally exist in the ecosystem. Some HABs develop as a result of a variety of natural occurrences, including slow water flow, extremely warm water temperatures, and severe weather conditions including storms, floods, and drought.

Numerous algae species thrive when the wind and water currents are favorable, according to studies. Harmful algae blooms may also be related to "overfeeding" in other situations. Although many people refer to harmful algal blooms as "red tides," not all harmful algae blooms cause the water to become red. Depending on the kind of algae involved, blooms can take on a range of hues, and some are completely colorless.

Although harmful algae blooms occur in all coastal states, different species live in various locations and produce various issues. The extent and intensity of harmful algae bloom impacts can also be altered by other elements, such as the coastline's design, runoff, oceanography, and other aquatic creatures.

*See NOAA: What is a harmful algal bloom?