Harmful algal bloom (HAB) is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the contemporary world. This is especially the case in Tampa, Florida, where the development of these blooms has brought about a situation where the marine ecosystem is at risk. Algal blooms not only bring about a serious reduction in the level of oxygen in water, but it also creates a situation where some marine plants and animals alike end up dying for lack of light. Additionally, algal blooms lead to the development of toxicity in the marine ecosystem to such an extent that it has led to a significant health risk for both humans and animals (D’Anglada, 2015). It is important to ensure that the growth of harmful algal blooms in the marine ecosystem is put into further investigation in a bid to not only bring about an understanding of their origins, but also to find ways through which they can be removed so that the ecosystem can be saved.
There are also instances where high levels of toxins caused by HAB can lead to a situation where marine ecosystems and humans who consume fish from these areas are threatened (Bruce, Leterme, Ellis & Lenehan, 2015). The result is that there is significant growth of algae blooms in the area affected to such an extent that humans and entire ecosystems are threatened (Backer, Manassaram-Baptiste, LePrell, & Bolton, 2015). These blooms bring about the death of a lot of plant life while at the same time creating a situation where the success of predators in the ecosystem ends up being limited because of poor visibility. Moreover, when large algal blooms die, they cause significant depletion of dissolved oxygen in the water to such an extent that there is a threat of the development of dead zones (Goodnough, 2005).
The possibility that HAB is likely to bring about the development of dead zones is quite compelling considering that it would mean the death of an entire ecosystem. The diversity of marine life is extremely important considering that for the most part, each of these organisms is dependent on the other to ensure their survival; meaning the death of fish and spread of bloom can create risks such as respiratory problems to human populations (Pittman, 2015). When several organisms are removed from the food chain, it is likely that the entire ecosystem will collapse; especially in situations where there are no other organisms that have the same functions as those that have died. It is, therefore, important for further investigations concerning the origins and weaknesses of algal blooms be conducted in order to ensure that they can be better managed so that their threat is reduced.
The implications of the research to date point to the need to ensure that HAB are brought under control. This is to ensure that they do not bring about the emergence of dead zones in the marine ecosystem as a result of human activities that can be easily managed. Therefore, further research concerning the best way through which HAB can be managed needs to be conducted so that their effects on the Tampa region can be significantly reduced, while at the same time creating a balance between human activities and the natural environment.
Backer, L.C., Manassaram-Baptiste, D., LePrell, R. & Bolton, B. (2015). Cyanobacteria and Algae Blooms: Review of Health and Environmental Data from the Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness Surveillance System (HABISS) 2007–2011. Toxins, 7, 1048-1064.
Bruce, K. L., Leterme, S.C., Ellis, A.V. & Lenehan, C.E. (2015). Approaches for the detection of harmful algal blooms using oligonucleotide interactions. Anal Bioanal Chem, 407, 95–116.
D’Anglada, L.V. (2015). Editorial on the Special Issue “Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Public Health: Progress and Current Challenges. Toxins, 7, 4437-4441.
Goodnough, A. (2005, Oct. 8). Persistent Red Tide Takes Toll on Florida Sea Life and Tourism. New York Times 8 Oct. 2005: A11(L). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Retrieved March 21, 2016 from http://db24.linccweb.org/
Pittman, C. (2015, Dec 9). RED TIDE BLOOM REACHES PINELLAS; The nasty algae is responsible for killing fish and can irritate beachgoers' throats." Tampa Bay Times. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Retrieved March 21, 2016 from http://db24.linccweb.org/
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