What are harmful algal blooms and hypoxia?
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur in aquatic environments when conditions trigger the rapid growth of plankton that produce toxins detrimental to aquatic life and to humans. HABs have been estimated to cost the U.S. economy $50 million per year, due to closure of fisheries and beaches and treatment of human illness from exposure to toxins. However, severe single events, such as the 1997 Pfiesteria outbreak in the Chesapeake Bay, have cost that amount alone. Hypoxia is a condition, created by the decomposition of algal blooms, where oxygen levels are depleted to levels unable to support aquatic life. This disrupts the food webs that support fish and shellfish growth, causing economic and ecological damage of its own. HABs and hypoxia cause problems throughout the United States. For example: in the state of Washington, the entire razor clam fishery has been closed since October 2002 due to high levels of toxins from a HAB; in Florida, the death of 60 manatees and severe respiratory probl
