Let's Talk About HABs

    Have you ever been to the beach and seen patches of red color throughout the water? If so, what you have experienced is a red tide. A red tide is an example of a harmful algal bloom, also known as HAB. Harmful algal blooms are made up of an extreme growth of algae in saltwater or freshwater environments. HABs are very impactful on both marine life and human life. 

    Human life can be impacted in various ways. Toxins are often carried by phytoplankton from these blooms, which affect the shellfish that consume them. In turn, this can make people ill through the consumption of shellfish. Toxins can also be released through the water or air directly. Humans who are exposed to toxins this way can experience respiratory issues. 

    The toxins from HABs can also affect marine life. Many fish are often put in danger from the low oxygen levels that are caused by the harmful algal blooms. HABs can block sunlight from making its way into the waters, causing difficulties for many marine plants and animals. 

    There is not a very clear reason as to why harmful algal blooms are created, but there are some possible explanations. Many times, HABs are caused naturally, either by wind or currents. There are 3 main organisms that often increase the presence of algal blooms: cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, and diatoms. The harmful algal blooms are not always caused by natural sources, but can be caused by human actions, such as pollution and nutrients from human communities. 

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