Public Health at Risk: Toxic Algae Growth on the Rise as Ocean Temperatures Increase

As global temperatures rise, we often forget that our ocean temperatures are rising as well, affecting our environment and public health in ways we haven’t even begun to consider. Over the course of a 34-year study monitoring rising ocean temperatures, researchers are beginning to understand the possible health impacts from something as seemingly insignificant as algae.  Released in 2016, in this article researchers initially sought to determine whether ocean temperature was a defining factor for the growth of harmful algal blooms through the use of high-resolution sea surface temperature records.  What they found was surprising.  Some of the most toxic species of algae were not only multiplying in magnitude, but their blooming period was getting longer as well.  

The algae species studied in this case, known as A. fundyense and D. acuminta, are some of the most toxic species of algae because they release various poisons. Both algal blooms are detrimental not only to their aquatic ecosystems but when ingested by humans, can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning or Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning.  In severe cases, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning can lead to paralysis or even death within hours. Coastal regions have been drastically affected by these growths.

Alaska has been greatly affected by this phenomena.  Researchers were able to observe a prolonged increase in ocean temperatures through high-resolution sea surface temperature records.  As temperatures increase the density of algae has increased and the blooming period for these species has lengthened. This change has not gone unnoticed. As early as 1970, Alaska has reported an increase in Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and Diarrhetic Seafood Poisoning in the coastal area, and it has only continued. The increase in density of these algae and their lengthened growth period is not only a risk to public health, but it has the potential to hinder tourism and the fishing industry in the region.  Alaska is not the only region facing this hardship, as it is becoming a global issue. In Norway and the United Kingdom, coastal regions are experiencing the sudden growth of toxic algae due to increased ocean temperatures as well. Before 1997, there had never been a reported case of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, but it is now on the rise in coastal areas. These regions are faced with similar health and economic effects to Alaska.

Using this evidence, researchers were not only able to find that temperature is a defining factor in the growth of harmful algal blooms, but that it is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.  From a scientific standpoint, there needs to be a greater study of rising ocean temperatures in order to reach a global consensus. Although researchers have generally found that ocean temperatures have risen overall, there have been some outliers showing that more research must be conducted. From a social standpoint, this research reminds us that we cannot become complacent as the climate changes.  It may start as things as small as algae, but it has the potential to impact global health. It is with this in mind that the scientific community must work with global governments in order to create legislation which slows the impact of climate change and works to remediate existing condittions.