How algae blooms impact the Bay

Algae is a crucial producer of oxygen and source of food for marine life in the Chesapeake Bay, but too much can be an indicator of pollution.

Algae is classified as any aquatic organism that produces oxygen through photosynthesis. The size of algae ranges from tiny microscopic cells floating in the water column (phytoplankton) to large mats of visible "macroalgae" (seaweed) that grow on bottom sediments.

However, when algae populations explode to unusually high numbers, they create algae blooms which can:

• Block sunlight that is vital for underwater grasses.
• Impede filter-feeders from obtaining food.
• Produce smelly surface scum.
• Consume dissolved oxygen when the algae die and decompose.

In addition, certain algae can also produce harmful chemicals that are toxic to humans, wildlife and aquatic life. Fortunately, of the more than 700 species of algae in Chesapeake Bay, less than 2% of them are believed to have the ability to produce toxic substances.

What causes algae blooms?

Algae blooms are primarily fueled by excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) entering waterways, which come from agriculture, air pollution, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater runoff from lawns, gardens and paved surfaces.

The nutrients cause algae to grow, particularly phytoplankton. Oysters and other filter feeders can't consume all the algae that forms in the water, so uneaten phytoplankton sink to the bottom of the Bay and decompose which depletes the water of oxygen.

Decomposing phytoplankton, combined with high summer water temperatures, can cause large areas of the deepest parts of the Bay's mainstem to have little or no oxygen.

Impacts to the Bay

Algae blooms cover the surface of the water and depending on the type of algae, can be green, blue-green, red or brown. The vegetation blocks sunlight from reaching other underwater grasses (critical habitat for marine life) which causes them to die.

The blooms also create “dead zones” which are areas that do not have enough oxygen to support fish, crabs and other marine life. There are over 166 identified dead zones across the nation and in 2021, the average size of the dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay was 1.5 cubic miles and lasted for 141 days.

Algae blooms have economic consequences as well as environmental and health impacts. Algae blooms are unsightly, smelly and are sometimes toxic which closes beaches and reduces tourism. Since crab, oyster and fish populations decline from the lack of oxygen in areas with algae blooms, catch from commercial and recreational fishing is also impacted.

What can you do?

Residents of the Bay watershed can help give the Bay's crabs, fish and other species some relief from algae blooms by taking simple actions to reduce nutrient pollution, including driving less, upgrading septic systems, picking up pet waste, reducing the use of lawn fertilizers and installing rain gardens and rain barrels.

If you have property along a shoreline, you can also reduce nutrient pollution by expanding your wetland grasses.

Bay Program partners actively monitor the region's waterways for algae blooms, so that if one occurs the public can be notified to protect human health. Residents are also asked to keep a watchful eye out for possible algae blooms and are urged to report suspected algae blooms to their respective state environmental agency:

• To report algae blooms in Maryland contact Maryland Department of the Environment at (800) 285-8195 or report on DNR’s Eyes on the Bay website.
• To report algae blooms in Virginia call (888) 238-6154.