Lethal Relationship: Climate change Will Increase Algal Blooms' Toxicity

What We Can't Sea

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Do you know what algal blooms are? If you don't, you should listen to this episode. Algal blooms are a huge problem that is only getting worse because of climate change.

"Late spring and early summer in California bring thousands of marine mammals to the state’s beaches, as groups of California sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals give birth along the shore. Visitors to places such as the Carpinteria Harbor Seal Preserve can observe portly cubs lounging in sand, awaiting the return of their mothers from fishing expeditions in the Pacific Ocean. But unfortunately, not all of the seals and sea lions are surviving, however. Toxic algal blooms are increasingly poisoning these marine mammals. In the ocean, algae blooms also known as phytoplankton provide energy at the base of marine food webs. However, some Algal Blooms can produce potent toxins that adversely affect organisms that consume them. "