VDA Major Hunter Urbanski Documents Ocean Contamination and Algae Blooms in Florida

Ocean contamination and algal blooms in Tampa Bay and Clearwater Beach have become a significant issue in recent years. Algal blooms are natural, but the frequency and severity has increased due to human activities. The primary source of pollution is the discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater, sewage, and stormwater runoff into the bay. Nutrient-rich wastewater contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, which act as fertilizers, creating the growth of algae.

Photograph taken by Hunter Urbanski (3/15/2023). Dead fish washed up on Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Ocean pollution may result in a variety of issues, including the death or injury of marine life, the creation of dead zones and algae blooms, and the contamination of seafood used for human consumption. The accumulation of plastic garbage in the water and the harm it does to marine species that consume it or become entangled in it has made plastic pollution a serious issue in recent years.

Photograph taken by Hunter Urbanski (3/15/2023). Dead Seaweed and fish
washed up on Clearwater Beach, Florida due to red tide.

Red tide, a type of hazardous algal bloom, can release chemicals that are toxic to fish, seaweed, and other marine life. Red tide also makes the water unsafe for swimming and fishing. Humans may experience respiratory problems because of the pollutants, particularly people with asthma or other lung conditions. Additionally, tourism and local companies that depends on fishing and water sports can suffer from red tide.

Photograph taken by Hunter Urbanski (3/15/2023). Sea Foam
caused by algal blooms on St. Petes Beach, Florida.

Algal Blooms cause this sea foam in the image above. This occurs when colonies of algae plants that live in the sea and freshwater grow out of control and produce toxic/harmful effects on people, fish/shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. In the Tampa Bay and Clearwater area, there have been cases of both ocean contamination and algal blooms. For example, according to the Washington Post in 2018, a red tide algal bloom caused the deaths of thousands of fish and other marine animals in the Gulf of Mexico, including areas around Tampa Bay and Clearwater. Additionally, runoff from urban and agricultural areas can contribute to nutrient pollution, which can lead to harmful algal blooms.

Photograph taken by Hunter Urbanski (3/16/2023). Pier 60 at Sunset on Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Red tide and ocean pollution can be affected both positively and negatively by piers and human activity. Researchers and scientists can visit piers to look into and monitor red tide outbreaks and other forms of marine pollution. As a result, efforts to decrease or prevent these events may be made with a greater understanding of their origins and effects. Putting in policies like stormwater management and waste reduction plans will decrease or prevent these events. However, boat traffic and ocean-related recreational activities have the potential to disrupt and scatter red tide cells, thereby accelerating the development and impact of harmful algal blooms.

Photograph taken by Hunter Urbanski (3/17/2023) Sunrise at St. Petes Beach, Florida.

Addressing and fixing ocean contamination, algal blooms, and red tide in Tampa Bay and Clearwater will require certain approachs that involve multiple strategies. Increased use of green infrastructure and stormwater management techniques, stronger limits on the use of fertilizers and wastewater treatment, and other measures can all help minimize nutrient pollution. Strategies including expanding and enhancing drainage systems, and establishing vegetated buffer zones can all be used to manage stormwater runoff. Responsible behaviors such as properly disposing of fishing line and other garbage, avoiding sensitive regions, and decreasing boat traffic in red tide zones can all assist to lessen these issues. Finally, Educating the public on the reasons and consequences of ocean pollution, algal blooms, and red tide, as well as methods to decrease pollution and reduce the effects. This will assist and increase awareness and support change on this matter.

 References

Freedman, Bill. "Red Tide." The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, edited by Katherine H. Nemeh and Jacqueline L. Longe, 6th ed., vol. 6, Gale, 2021, pp. 3749-3750. Gale In Context: Environmental Studies, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX8124402085/GRNR?u=mlin_w_american&sid=bookmark-GRNR&xid=db51afcf. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Aldridge, Susan, and K. Lee Lerner. "Algal Blooms." The Gale Encyclopedia of Science, edited by Katherine H. Nemeh and Jacqueline L. Longe, 6th ed., vol. 1, Gale, 2021, pp. 129-131. Gale In Context: Environmental Studies, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX8124400075/GRNR?u=mlin_w_american&sid=bookmark-GRNR&xid=d4c869b9. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

Blackwell, Amy Hackney. "Plastic Pollution." Gale Environmental Studies Online Collection, Gale, 2023. Gale In Context: Environmental Studies, link.gale.com/apps/doc/PHMJOK207422989/GRNR?u=mlin_w_american&sid=bookmark-GRNR&xid=08810173. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.