Biologists warn of harmful algal bloom

During their survey they noticed such algal blooms in Gulf of Mannar in Rameswaram area and along the Cuddalore coast. Covering a wide stretch from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, the team of marine biologists ventured out to mid-sea to collect water samples, and look for the presence of harmful algal blooms, which are toxic in nature, and cause harm to fish, livestock and people who consume the contaminated water. 

Algae are ordinary plants found in freshwater or in sea, when they grow out of control and start blooming, which is a sign of toxic activity. The toxic algal blooms are mostly caused by various species of blue green algae and the colour of the bloom varies from bright green to red. The  bloom is caused by a surge in movement of nutrients, mostly through anthropological activities. 

Speaking to DTNext, Anantharaman, Associate Professor, Centre for Advanced Study In Marine Biology, Annamalai University, who headed an eight member team said the findings are a cause for concern, as the harmful algal blooms spike after the rains and get accumulated in the phytoplanktons which play a key role in marine ecology. A host of underwater lifeforms, ranging from whales to shrimps feed on phytoplanktons and when they get out of control and form harmful algal bloom, the entire ecosystem gets affected, with harmful toxins passing from sea creatures to human beings, he added. “If the infected fishes are consumed it would result in nausea, vomiting and brain related diseases for human,” said Anantharaman. 

However, the toxins linger only for three or four days, and if fishermen refrain from fishing during the season, the danger passes. “It is important to sensitise our fishermen on the harmful effects of algal bloom,” he added.