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Experts think toxic algae harming endangered fish

Posted by: Maven on November 27, 2009 at 7:52 am

From the Associated Press:

“GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Scientists say they believe toxins from a blue-green algae plaguing lakes and rivers around the West are harming an endangered fish in the Klamath Basin, adding another obstacle to restoring species that have forced irrigation shutoffs for farmers.

U.S. Geological Survey fish biologist Scott VanderKooi said Wednesday that liver damage detected in young Lost River and shortnosed suckers in Upper Klamath Lake appears to have been caused by the algae known as microsystin, which regularly shows up in the lake.

“We have symptoms in juvenile suckers consistent with exposure to these same toxins,” VanderKooi said. “It was something we’ve suspected for some time. We didn’t have evidence of it. Now we are starting to see more evidence of it.”

He said more analysis is needed on liver samples to determine that the toxin is actually present.

Summer blooms of the toxic algae have been reported from coast to coast, prompting health warnings for people to stay out of the water. This year 21 lakes and streams in Oregon were posted, and at least one dog died after drinking tainted water. Symptoms in people include eye and skin irritation, vomiting and stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, headache, pains in muscles and joints, and weakness. … “


Read more from the Associated Press by clicking here.

November 27, 2009 · Filed Under Northern California

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