Akashiwo Sanguinea Strikes Again

The same deadly strain of harmful algal bloom that impacted marine life in the Monterey Bay is back - this time much deadlier.  Staggering numbers of marine birds have washed up along the coast of Oregon and Washington since last Tuesday as a result of a tiny little single celled dinoflagellate called Akashiwo Sanguinea.  It’s a rare form of harmful algal bloom (HAB) that strips the natural oils from the weather proofing of a bird’s plumage, causing them to die of hypothermia and dehydration.

Tragic events such as this are a blatant reminder of why it is so critical to get the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia bill through Congress this year.  How long until the next fatal bloom, and who will suffer; marine life, dogs, horses, humans?  Trends indicate that HABs are on the rise, becoming more deadly and costing millions of dollars every year.  In a recent study, HABs have been linked to mass extinctions!

If you are an experienced care giver for injured birds, or would like to make a donation of towels, large dog kennels, bleach or $, please call the Wildlife Center of the North Coast at 503-338-0331.  Click here for more info.

Please join us in our efforts to get the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act through Congress.