Article Reference: Don’t Feed The Algae

By St. Johns Waterkeeper

Toxic blue-green algae outbreaks, or harmful algae blooms (HABs), are increasing in duration and frequency threatening our waterways and our own health.  Nutrient pollution, warming waters and runoff from frequent rainstorms during the summer could result in even more green muck coating our River.

Aren’t nutrients good for the River?
Nutrients and blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are naturally occurring in our environment.  However, too much nitrogen and phosphorous (see sources of nutrient pollution below) can cause excessive algae growth that severely impacts the ecological balance and health of our waterways. Algae blooms can prevent sunlight from reaching underwater plants, clog fish gills, and deplete oxygen from the water, harming aquatic life and potentially causing fish kills.

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