An algal bloom is spanning 100 miles within the Gulf of Maine
An unusually giant algae bloom within the Gulf of Maine has researchers attempting to grasp its trigger and potential results.
At its peak, the algae bloom prolonged from Penobscot Bay to Martha’s Winery. The bloom is comprised of a naturally occurring phytoplankton that’s not poisonous to people or animals.
College of New Hampshire scientists first observed the bloom in April after they recorded the bottom carbon dioxide and highest pH ranges of their 20 years of monitoring.
Nicole Poulton of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences mentioned it’s onerous to know what’s inflicting it, however the quickly warming waters of the Gulf of Maine could possibly be taking part in a task.
“We do know that the gulf is altering fairly quickly. And it could possibly be a wide range of issues,” Poulton mentioned. “Each the growing temperatures within the Gulf of Maine, in addition to elevated rainfall into the gulf as properly.”
Poulton mentioned a dozen analysis teams from Maine to Rhode Island are collaborating to grasp the occasion. One concern is the chance that the algae will deplete oxygen in components of the gulf when it dies and decomposes.
This text seems via a media partnership with Maine Public.
Extra articles from the BDN
