Toxic algae bloom on west coast could be the largest ever
Digital Reporter
Thursday, June 18, 2015, 7:35 PM - A toxic algae bloom that has slowed production in fisheries and poisoned wildlife between Washington State and B.C. could be the largest on record, scientists say.
The bloom first appeared in May and is comprised of microscopic algae that produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin that can be fatal to humans and animals.
"In 1987, more than 100 individuals became ill after consuming cultured mussels (Mytilus edulis) harvested off the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island," The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says on its website.
"The mussels were found to be contaminated with domoic acid, which had previously not been observed in shellfish. This 1987 incident led to the subsequent death of three elderly individuals and caused permanent short-term memory loss in several survivors."
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Levels of domoic acid in California's Monterey Bay are among the highest ever recorded.
Earlier this month, Washington authorities were forced to suspend crab fishing between the border of Oregon through to southern Washington because of the acid.
Scientists are working to determine if the size of the bloom is linked to warmer-than-average temperatures in the area.
A ship will be deployed this week to collect water samples between the Mexican border and Vancouver Island.
Sources: Reuters | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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