Would OIF Cause Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)?
Ocean fertilization experiments have stimulated the same plankton groups that bloom under natural conditions, especially small photosynthesizers and diatoms. While algae capable of producing toxins exist in most of the ocean, blooms dominated by algae capable of producing toxins generally occur in coastal waters where nutrient levels are high and where shallow waters allow the re-innoculation of waters by resting stages that are present in sediments. Even natural blooms in the open ocean that include diatoms genetically capable of making toxins have not been observed to influence marine organisms, including marine mammals and seabirds. No harmful algal blooms have been identified during ocean fertilization experiments. Ocean fertilization activities should be conducted in the open ocean where harmful algal blooms have not been identified, and measurements should be made to detect the presence of any toxins.
