Massive Seabird Mortality Event in Oregon Linked to Harmful Algal Bloom
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) labs and sponsored research partners are assisting partners in the Pacific Northwest who are coordinating efforts to respond to a massive mortality and stranding event involving multiple species of sea birds. Many thousands of seabirds are likely being harmed by soap-like foam linked to a large bloom of the harmful alga, Akashiwo sanguinea. The earliest wave of seabird impacts began in Washington waters more than seven weeks ago and was reported by the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary program in the September 16 edition of ONMS News for NCCOS. Since late October, a second pulse of seabird strandings and deaths extended into Oregon. The response team continues to investigate and document the role of harmful algae, their impacts on seabirds and other animals, and to inform rehabilitation efforts. For additional details on this massive seabird mortality event go to http://www.cop.noaa.gov/stressors/extremeevents/hab/features/seabirds_hab.html.
Excerpt: NCCOS Weekly Report