ALGAL BLOOMSThe Effects on Fish

Team 8: Olivia Bruce , Emily Clifford, Yanting Huang, Aaron Vincent, Shakil Kanji , Jeanne Ho

TABLE OF CONTENTS Algae Algal blooms Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) Conditions for blooms How gills work

Model Effects on fish

Model Effects on humans and surrounding environment Toxins Canadian Examples International Examples Related Issues Solutions Interesting Facts Moral and Ethical Implications Resources Reflection

ALGAE Fresh-water algae (phytoplankton):

vary in shape and color are found in a large range of habitats, such as

ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and streams. are a natural and essential part of the

ecosystem . are the base of the aquatic food chain.

The following algae are examples of algae that can cause harmful algal blooms: Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Pfiesteria piscicida living in estuaries Harmful marine algae occurring in oceans like

Karenia brevis

ALGAL BLOOMS Under certain conditions, several species of

true algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are capable of causing: excessive accumulations of foams and scum discoloration of the water

Algal "bloom" : When the algae population in a lake or a river

increase explosively. Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers are

most susceptible to blooms. In oceans, occurs most frequently in the

Pacific Northwest

ALGAL BLOOMS CONTINUED Usually float on the surface and can be many

inches thick, and mostly occur near the shoreline.

Blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of water bodies. Can be blue, bright green, brown, or red May look like floating paint

Some blooms do not affect appearance Blooms can be suspended at various depths in

the water Depends on factors such as light, phosphorus

and nitrogen

HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS (HABS) All algae blooms are not harmful

Researchers agree that between 30% to 50% of algae blooms are harmless

Non-toxic algae blooms could occur, and these are harmless

Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are those that negatively impact fish and other organisms producing: Toxic effects in humans and other organisms Physical problems in fish and shellfish Odours and discolouration of water and fish habitats

Their occurrence are completely natural in some cases, as a result of the movement of certain ocean currents.

In other cases, they appear to be linked to increased nutrient supply from human activities

CONDITIONS FOR BLOOMS High nutrient levels

Especially an excess of phosphates and nitrates May be the result of pollution

Waste breaks down, releasing nutrients into water Creates an excess of nutrients normally found in that

ecosystem Fertilizer runoff, septic tank overflows, etc.

High air and water temperatures Better for growth Blooms more common in more places due to

general temperature increase in global waters (Global Warming)

Most often occur in late summer to early fall

HOW GILLS WORK Water comes in through the mouth, and goes

through the gills constant stream

Gill rakers filter the water Oxygen is absorbed through the thin

membranes of the gill fillaments into the blood

HOW GILLS WORK - VIDEO Public - Windows Live

Watch video “AG 1”

EFFECTS ON FISH Examples of fish that have been known to carry

toxins: blackfin snapper, hogfish, barracuda, king mackeral etc.

Depletes oxygen from the water Suffocates fish

Releases toxins when algae dies May be lethal

If not, may present neurological symptoms, or will present in higher trophic levels

Causes salt regulation to break down Algae accumulates in gills

Irritates gills Mucus forms This, in turn, may affect consumers of these fish,

resulting in bioaccumulation of toxins Mucus forms on gills Mechanical damage, such as disruption in

epithelial gill tissues in fish, resulting in asphyxiation

EFFECTS ON FISH - VIDEO Public - Windows Live

Watch video “AG 2”

EFFECTS ON HUMANS AND SURRONDING ENVIRONMENT Fish kills = loss of food/money Not aesthetically appealing

Effect on property sales/development in surrounding regions

Effect tourism rates Effect on water supply

Cannot be used for drinking, or swimming Gives water a bad odour

When algae decomposes, it needs oxygen Reduces oxygen supply for the fish in the lake

Water becomes poisonous and toxic Harmful to surrounding environment (i.e. wildlife and

fish) Recreational use of lake (no swimming, boating

etc) Seafood becomes toxic and can harm humans if

they ingest a “toxic” fish

EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Swimming in affected areas could cause eye and skin

irritation and burning as well as other hay fever-like allergic reactions.

Winds could blow toxic gases released by some species of algae onshore, negatively effecting people. The toxic aerosol gas released by the species Karenia brevis

could cause respiratory irritation, such as coughing, sneezing and tearing.

Swallowing contaminated water could also lead to: Liver toxicity (i.e. increased serum levels of liver enzymes) Kidney toxicity Neurotoxicity

Ingesting water contaminated with toxins produced by algae blooms could produce the following reactions: Headaches and Abdominal Pain Nausea, Fever and Vomiting Diarrhoea

EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Toxic Effects resulting from contaminated

shellfish/fish/water: Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

Toxins like domoic acid produced by algae of genus Pseudo-nitzschia

Can be treated and cured Obtained mainly from molluscan shellfish but can be derived

from certain fish species and sea birds clams, oysters, anchovies, etc.

Result in gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, may result in death (severe cases)

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Caused by toxins produced by algae of Genus Alexandirium No known cure, fatal Obtained from bivalved/non-bivalved shellfish

lobster, oysters, etc. Results in neurological disorders and symptoms

Paralysis in respiratory organs may lead to death

EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP)

Results in neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms

Can be treated, no known cure Obtained from mainly tropical reef fish

mackerel, parrot fish, tang etc. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP)

Obtained from types of shellfish and fish Razorfish, scallops, etc.

Can be treated and cured Results in gastrointestinal symptoms

Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) Caused by a species of algae called Karenia brevis Can be treated and cured Common gastrointestinal, neurological and asthma-like

respiratory disturbance symptoms Obtained from shellfish, fish, and small sea mammals

scallops, sea turtles, sea birds, etc.

TOXINS The following neurotoxins affect the nervous system in

humans. Anatoxin-a Anatoxin-a(s) Saxitoxin Neosaxitoxin

The following hepatotoxins affect the liver in humans. Microcystins Nodularins Cylindrospermopsin

The following tumour promoters are chemicals that can increase tumour growth in humans. Microcystins Lipopolysaccharides are chemicals that can affect the

gastrointestinal system.

EXAMPLES OF TOXINS AND THEIR CHEMICAL STRUCTURES

CANADIAN EXAMPLES

ALBERTA Due to increased summer temperatures,

green-blue algal blooms development in Alberta lakes

Caution notices released throughout the summer by Alberta Health Services

Pigeon Lake 2009 Lac La Nonne 2009

EASTERN CANADA ASP/DSP/PSP TOXIN LOCATIONS (1997)

INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES

EFFECTS ON OTHER MARINE ANIMALS:CALIFORNIA CASE STUDY(JUNE 2008)

Investigation of algal toxin effects on fetal brain development of sea lions was conducted by John Ramsdell of NOAA's Centre for Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research in Charleston, SC, along with Tanja Zabka, a veterinary pathologist at the Marine Mammal Centre

Exposure to increased levels of domoic acid (natural chemical released by toxic algal blooms) result in behavioural abnormalities in California Sea Lions Increase of epileptic seizures Newly found chronic disease

RELATED ISSUEFISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009 Massive fish kill in the Neuse River, North

Carolina during August-October 2009 Millions of fish killed

Approximately 90%+ were Menhaden Other species include flounder, shrimp, blue crab

FISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009 CONTINUED Factors contributing to massive kill:

Increase in precipitation Run-off flowed into the river carrying sewage, fertilizer,

waste from pets Increase in algal bloom activity

Increased temperature during the summer Calm weather conditions reduced salt and fresh

water mixing Creates layers in the water Difficult for oxygen to pass

Dense populations of Menhaden Gather during late summer before heading to the sea

RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA Summer 2009, Lake Victoria of Ggaba,

Uganda Depletion of tilapia fish due to algal blooms Increase of pollution, precipitation and

frequent warm weather contribute to algal bloom growth

ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CON’T Effects of Algal Blooms:

Local fishermen/residents Reduced amount of fish to consume and/or sell Water no longer of household use Reduced income for fishermen Less money for educational fees necessary needs Algal blooms themselves may be harmful and contain toxins

Reduced amount of tourism due to unappealing terrain Economic income of area is reduced: no tourism results in less

profits for local businesses Water rationing in the Kampala region

Algal blooms clogged water treatment plants Unbalanced natural ecosystem

Reduced amount of fish and other surrounding species Natural filters such as swamps are overwhelmed

ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CON’T Factors contributing to algal bloom growth:

Increase in precipitation this season Frequent warm weather Over fertilization due to run-off water:

Unregulated dumping Industrial waste create high levels of ammonia which suffocate fish Lack of treatment and cleaning of industrial effluents (treated

sewage discharged into the lake) Urban farming by local farmers

Chemicals carried to the lake by rainfall streams Local use of charcoal

Contributes high levels of carbon to the lake

ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA CONTINUED Solutions:

Fish breeding sites added to the lake to aid fish population

Law reforms to prohibit dumping especially near swamp regions

Maintenance stations for vehicles (where chemicals and fuel may be harmful to the lake) are restricted near the lake

Natural and abundant vegetation planted around the lake to reduce over fertilization and erosion

Aquatic weed control project launched to filter the lake

RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBALCao Lake in Anhui Province, China

Above; wildlife covered in algal sludge, top right; algal blooms skim the top of the Cao Lake surface, right; algal bloom stench is near unbearable.

RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL

Coastline of Korpo, Finland

Top & right; depending on seasonal characteristics such as temperature and wind, the appearance of the algal blooms varies.

RELATED ISSUEALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL

2005: Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), a primary algal bloom contributor, sources in different river basins across the world.

SOLUTIONS Chemicals can be used to get rid of algae

blooms However, these chemicals still have a negative

effect on the wildlife Direct moving of the algal blooms by

towing/skimming the water surface algal blooms may reproduce faster than removal

process Introducing invasive species to dispose of

algal blooms Bacteria, parasites, viruses

SOLUTIONS Reduce amount of nutrient in lakes to limit

amount of algal blooms: Reduce sewage: replacing septic tanks to avoid

seepage into bodies of water Reduce agricultural/industrial/residential waste:

limit use of fertilizers, alternate disposal methods Controlling agricultural, urban, and stormwater

runoff: increase use permeable paving materials, alternate disposal methods

Increase vegetation growth in surrounding terrain: nutrients absorbed

SOLUTION: WATER TREATMENT PLANTS Solutions and treatment methods that

involve using chemicals like copper sulphate should not be used

Water Treatment Plants can also be used to monitor and remove threats caused by HABs. Algae cells can be removed by adding chemicals

(like aluminum sulphate or alum) that bind them together Cells clump together, become heavier and fall to the

bottom of the tank, which then can be filtered out Harmful toxins can then be removed by using

certain oxidation procedures or activated charcoal

INTERESTING FACTS The Harmful Algal Bloom Pfiesteria piscicida

literally translates to “fish-killer”(piscicida) HABs are often referred to as “red tides” in

marine coastal areas Third-generation biofuel or algaeoluem is

derived from algae Algal blooms can be present in drinking

water supplies Researchers use ultrasound waves that can get

as hot as 3700°C in order to break the molecules to kill the algae

Moral and Ethical Implications Although algal blooms can be economically

and environmentally harmful, it can be considered unethical to kill algal blooms since they are living organisms

Fish are always being killed for food for humans but is it fair to kill fish as well because we do not take care of our environment? There is already a problem with over fishing in

the oceans which is decreasing the fish population

Some algal blooms are a result of human pollution and are unnatural Is it just for humans to then use harmful

chemicals to fix their own problem?

RESOURCES Anderson, Don, compiler. 2008. Harmful Algae [Internet]. NOAA/CSCOR/COP. [cited

2009 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.whoi.edu/redtide/page.do?pid=9257 Canadian Inspection Agency. 2006. Causes of Foodborne Illnesses [Internet]. [cited

2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 2006. Domoic Acid Information and History [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 23]. Available from: http://www.cimwi.org/stranded_domoic.html

CTV Edmonton. 2009. Algae health advisory issued for Lake Isle [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090813/edm_algae_090813/20090813/?hub=EdmontonHome

Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) and their Toxins [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01]. Health Canada: Environmental and Workplace Health. [cited 2009 Dec 28]Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/cyanobacter-eng.php

RESOURCES CONTINUED Energy Matters. 2008. Harmful Algal Blooms: Causes and Solutions [Internet]. [cited

2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://indianhillmediaworks.typepad.com/energy_matters/2008/12/harmful-algal-blooms-causes-and-solutions.html

Fournier, Raphael RH. Green Peace China. Photos [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 28]. Available from: http://www.greenpeace.org/china/en/photosvideos/photos/blue-green-algal-bloom-in-cao

Government of Alberta. Algal blooms [Internet]. [cited December 6, 2009]. Available from: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/WATER/swq/ brochures/algalblooms.html

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Harmful Algal bloom programme [Internet]. [cited November 28, 2009]. Available from: http://www.ioc-unesco.org/hab/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=16

Kampala International University. 2008. Double efforts to save Lake Victoria [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26 2009]. Available from: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/625322

RESOURCES CONTINUED National, Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service [Internet].

Investigating the oceans : algal blooms. Available from: http://www.science-house.org/nesdis/algae/background.html

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2001. Environmental Sciences Section [Internet]. Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 919.743.8400 [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from : http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/documents/NeuseFishKillsSummerFall2009.pdf

Parker, Steve. Fish. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co.; 1990. Ramsdell et al. In Utero Domoic Acid Toxicity: A Fetal Basis to Adult Disease in the

California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus). Marine Drugs, 2008; 6 (2): 262 [cited 2009 Dec 26] Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609103232.htm

Remtulla, Noreen. 2009. Alberta Health Services. Take precautions during blue-green algae blooms [internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/510.asp

Sawa, Pius. Inter Press Service. 2009. Water-Uganda: Reducing Run-off To Protect Lake Victoria [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.globalissues.org/news/2009/10/24/3245

RESOURCES CONTINUED Tango, Peter, compiler. 2009. Microcystis Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26].

Available from: http://www.eco-check.org/forecast/chesapeake/2009/indicators/microcystis/#_Methodology

The International Standard for the Trade in Live Reef Food Fish. 2007. Requirement 2.5-Harmful Algal Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.livefoodfishtrade.org/

Water Encyclopedia Science and Issues . 2010. Algal Blooms in Fresh Water. [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 22]. Available from: http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/A-Bi/Algal-Blooms-in-Fresh-Water.html

Wilson, Drew C. Havelock News. Millions Dead, but why? [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from: http://www.havenews.com/articles/soon-6019-knew-aug.html

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [cited 2009 Dec 28]. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/hab/default.htm

Reflection: Choice of Topic All interested in building a model along with

compiling research Going to show how a fish worked (moving

muscles, fins etc.) Needed to relate this to an international

issue Some of us had learned about algal blooms in

biology class Decided to build a model to show how algal

blooms affect the fish, and indirectly, humans

Once discovered that the blooms have the largest impact on a fish’s gills, we decided to only build a cross section of the gills along with the mouth

Reflection: Research Process Once we found an example of an area

affected by algal blooms (first example found was Alberta), we divided up the research topics into: Algal blooms (Background information) How gills work (Basic information on fish) Effects of blooms on fish and humans National and International examples Solutions to the issue

Used a book with helpful diagrams and various internet resources (see resource slide)

Reflection: Model We all decided to make a model for our project as a

visual aid in understanding the effects of algal blooms

Using a diagram of the inside of a fish as our guide, we gathered all our materials by looking through recycling bins and arts & crafts stores

Some of the materials used were pipe cleaners, construction paper, modeling clay, paper mache, newspapers, glue, etc.

Once the model was completed, one video was made describing the different parts and functions

In addition, a second video of our fish model was made to describe what happens to the fish when it is affected by algal blooms

Reflection: Power Point Once everyone had completed the research

process, we all compiled our research notes together

With everyone’s research, a couple of us started to make the Power Point with the key information on fish and algal blooms

Afterwards, the rest of the group did more in depth research and found more examples to support our research

Each member of the group further added to the Power Point each time new research was conducted to produce this final result

Reflection: Group Dynamics Together, we came up with a topic and project idea

quite easily, as we were all interested in fish and algal blooms

To incorporate everyone’s strengths, we not only decided to do a research project, but we created the model

Held group meetings about every Wednesday after school for about 15 minutes to discuss progress and group ideas

Communicated on ANGEL to discuss research and share useful resources

Used email effectively to send the power point presentation back and forth to add information, revise others’ ideas and to edit the final presentation

Set deadlines for ourselves to complete certain aspects of our research

Frequently checked ANGEL to read each others posts and to check for project guideline updates

Reflection: Areas of Weakness We could have finished our research earlier

(i.e. by the end of November) to maximize time for the creation of the model and power point

Used ANGEL more frequently during the research process and complete more discussion posts over the entire four months

Keep all of the posts in one thread to avoid confusion on ANGEL

Every group member should have attended the meetings after school to increase team work