Algal blooms: When good algae go bad
Summers in the Bay Area are an invitation to water. Kayaks floating along the shoreline at Big Break, vacationers lounging at Niles Beach, adventurers tubing the Russian River, and fishers hanging lines off the pier at Lake Temescal. As the 1970 Mungo Jerry hit put it “In the summertime, when the weather is fine, We go fishing or go swimming in the sea.” But all of these recreational spots have had advisories for harmful algal blooms (HABs) or toxic algal mats in July this year. HABs are increasing in incidence, duration, and toxicity statewide and so are their health impacts on humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Many reservoirs that store drinking water have also been impacted.