Source: National Geographic
Algae blooms in Florida are now recurring and getting worse every year.
In 2013, a huge bloom happened along the coasts of Florida, that came to be known as Toxic Summer. The ‘toxic sludge’ has killed plenty of fish and other animals that cannot feed or survive in the environment.
Toxic algae blooms occur in warm waters and recently are a result of climate change. Environmental changes have also exacerbated algae blooms, such as disturbance of the natural water flow patterns in Florida lakes caused by man. Experts urge that legislative action needs to focus on funding proper solutions to clear the water and to fix water flow. Funds that should be allocated to solving the issue have been allocated for other projects instead.
The quality of water in the lakes and coast of Florida is not only an issue to marine life, but also to surrounding farms of fruits and veggies that rely on that water for irrigation. Experts fear that food safety is jeopardized.
Read full story at: National Geographic