What are algae and when do they become harmful?
A – Algae are a natural and critical part of our rivers, streams and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems. Algae, as with land plants, capture the suns energy and support the food web that leads to fish and shellfish. Algae may become harmful if they occur in an unnaturally high abundance or if they produce a toxin. A high abundance of algae can block sunlight to underwater bay grasses and other submerged aquatic vegetation, consume oxygen in the water leading to fish kills, produce surface scum and odors, and interfere with the feeding of shellfish and other organisms that filter water to obtain their food. For more information about harmful algae, click here.
