Fueled by Pollution and Unsound Policies, Toxic Algae Overtake Florida Beaches

[turbinetree]

BY Julie Dermansky DeSmogBlog

PUBLISHED
August 6, 2018

Florida is in the midst of a still-unfolding water pollution catastrophe. Many formerly picture-perfect beaches and posh waterfront neighborhoods are now surreal toxic landscapes where the smell is so pungent, it can make you nauseous.

Parts of South Florida are being inundated by harmful algal blooms, which affect both public health and marine life, including red tide (caused by the alga Karenia brevis) and blue-green algae (more precisely known as cyanobacteria, or Microcystis, which are technically bacteria but commonly referred to as algae).

While both types of toxin-producing algae are normal parts of their environments, the crisis is not. Water pollution and climate change are fueling this supersized toxic algae mess.

The state’s water quality standards, friendly toward agriculture and real estate development, result in the release of an abundance of nutrients including phosphorus and nitrogen into the water. This influx of growth-inducing nutrients causes marine and freshwater algae populations to explode in what’s called a “bloom.” These blooms can use up much of the oxygen in the water, causing aquatic life to die, in addition to the potentially fatal toxins these algae release.

https://truthout.org/articles/fueled-by-pollution-and-unsound-policies-toxic-algae-overtakes-florida-beaches/

And people want to move to Florida..............................no thanks..................

[procon]

1. That's not being friendly toward business.

Even agriculture and real estate development needs clean, not polluted or toxic, water. Lower standards made a few rich people richer in the short run, but once the public sees the full effects of these Republican backed deregulatory agendas, a lot more people will lose money. The impact on tourism, retirees, residents, businesses, workers fishermen, and any living thing that needs clean, potable or recreation water sources will be left out.

Florida Republicans have shot themselves in the foot with all these anti environmental laws. In a state that is heavily dependent on tourists who come for the pristine beaches and spectacular ocean views, those campaign donations will literally sink the state.

[defacto7]

2. It seems hookworm is thriving.