Editing Algal bloom (section)

== Environmental impacts ==
[[Harmful algal bloom|Harmful algae blooms]] have many negative environmental impacts and is a worsening issue that is spreading in area. A tiny brown tide organism that was formerly restricted to the northeastern US and South Africa, is now causing massive blooms along the coast of China which is similar to that of other brown tides.<ref>Zhang, Q.-C., Qiu, L.-M., Yu, R.-C., Kong, F.-Z., Wang, Y.-F., Yan, T., Gobler, C. J., & Zhou, M.-J. (2012). Emergence of brown tides caused by Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves et Sieburth in China. Harmful Algae, 19, 117–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2012.06.007</ref> HABs can lead to anaerobic (lack of oxygen) environments which can kill any organisms living within the water, fish poisoning, respiratory problems and illness among beach goers.<ref>Anderson, D. (2014). HABs in a changing world: a perspective on harmful algal blooms, their impacts, and research and management in a dynamic era of climactic and environmental change. Harmful Algae 2012 : Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Harmful Algae : October 29 - November 2, 2012, CECO, Changwon, Gyeongnam, Korea / Editors, Hak Gyoon Kim, Beatriz Reguera, Gustaaf M. Hallegraeff, Chang Kyu Lee, M., 2012, 3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4667985/</ref><ref>National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2023, October 16). Algal Blooms. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/algal-blooms</ref> HABs have a large effect on the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin. Invasive zebra and quagga mussels are positively correlated with their impact on the environment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Creed, Irena |first=Friedman, Kathryn |date=January 1, 2020 |title="Harmful Algal Blooms in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence River Basin: Is It Time fro a Binational Sub-Federal Approach?" |url=https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2704&context=cuslj |journal=Canada United States Law Journal |volume=45 |issue= |pages=126–143 |via=Case Western Reserve University}}</ref> These mussels increase the cycling of phosphorus which therefore increases harmful algae blooms in areas they are present. Harmful algae blooms continue to infect water supplies at the Binational Great Lakes Basin and due to the world’s recovery from the [[COVID-19 pandemic|Covid-19 Pandemic]], solving the issue has become a low priority. This economical problem has become part of politics in the United States, whereas in allied countries such as Canada there is low concern. 

The impact of harmful algae blooms on the environment have a substantial effect on marine life. For example, in August 2024 the growth of the toxic algae, ''Pseudo-nitzschia'', along California coasts were making sea lions sick and aggressive to beach goers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisheries |first=NOAA |date=2024-04-11 |title=Toxic Algal Bloom Spreads Along California Coast, Poisoning Sea Lions {{!}} NOAA Fisheries |url=https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/toxic-algal-bloom-spreads-along-california-coast-poisoning-sea-lions |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=NOAA |language=en}}</ref> Scientists claim this is a seasonal occurrence. The growth of ''Pseudo-nitzschia'' leads to the production of a dominic acid which accumulates in fishes such as sardines, anchovies, and squids.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=July 4, 2023 |title=A toxic algal bloom off Southern California is blamed for making sea lions sick |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/04/1185922760/a-toxic-algal-bloom-off-southern-california-is-blamed-for-making-sea-lions-sick |access-date=December 8, 2024 |website=npr}}</ref> This directly affects the food web and the primary food source of sea lions. Once the toxins are transferred via consumption, they can cause seizures, brain damage, and death to the animal. During this surge, people reported bites and unpredictable, aggressive behavior from the infected sea lions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-29 |title=Sea lions aren't acting like themselves — they're more aggressive because of algae bloom in California |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/animal-news/sea-lions-aggressive-algae-bloom-california-rcna91912 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> In this sickened state, the sea lions are scared and act out of fear in order to protect themselves. Pregnant sea lions are most vulnerable to toxic algae poisoning and are more likely to die from the effects.<ref name=":2" />