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Algae bloom spreads across Old Tampa Bay
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Monday, June 29, 2009 |
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Local scientists say an algae bloom is covering more areas of Old Tampa Bay than has ever before been observed.
The bloom currently extends from Harbor to Weedon Island in St. Petersburg.
The bloom, which looks like large brown streaks on the water, was first reported on June 4 by the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, officials said. Thus far, no problems have been reported.
The algae produces oxygen during the day, but at night, the algae uses oxygen which coupled with the intense heat, has depleted the oxygen in the water, Kelli Hammer-Levy, division manager for the Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management, said in a press release.
The algae bloom was most likely fueled by pollutants, including fertilizers, sediment, yard waste and animal waste carried into the bay from the May and June rain events, she said.
Mary Burrell, operations manager for county communications, said thus far there had been no reports of fish kills.
“Experts have told me there are no signs of dead fish,” Burrell said. “We’re hoping we can avoid that this year.”
However, Hammer-Levy said considering the continued heat of the past week, it would not be surprising to see fish killed by the algae bloom in the near future.
The county’s Department of Environmental Management is testing the waters in conjunction with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, as well as the county Health Department to monitor the health of local beaches and waterways.
According to the June 26 red tide report from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, no Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism, was detected in water samples collected alongshore between Pinellas and Collier counties.
Discolored water in Tampa Bay (extending from the Gandy Bridge to Oldsmar) is due to a bloom of the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense, the FWRI said. No impacts have been reported from this bloom.
To report signs of fish kills, visit research.myfwc.com/fishkill/submit.asp.
For more information about the water resources in Pinellas County, visit the Pinellas County Water Atlas www.pinellas.wateratlas.usf.edu. The atlas was developed to provide a comprehensive water resource, includes news and reports on the quality of individual water bodies.
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Article published on Monday, June 29, 2009
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