In 2018, there were more than 300 reported incidents of toxic or harmful algae blooms around the world. It’s difficult to make generalisations about harmful algae blooms since specific species have different causes and impacts. During most of the past century, harmful algae blooms were rarely headline news, inspiring little scientific study beyond ecological curiosity. During the 1950s and 60s algae blooms were common, most likely, say researchers, due to poor domestic and industrial wastewater treatment. Photograph: ESA/Finnish Environment InstituteEurope has had its own experience of deadly algae blooms that now threaten the future of its fisheries.

Source: The Guardian January 04, 2020 07:52 UTC