Fish that is dead due to toxic algae bloom. (Photo: Oregon State University)

Red tide of poisonous algae is the world's second largest case

CHILE
Friday, May 13, 2016, 22:50 (GMT + 9)

So far, the phenomenon known as red tide, caused by an excessive microalgae bloom spread with high concentrations of toxins, had not been recorded in the Pacific coast of Chile, explains the expert in toxins and marine biologist of Universidad Catolica del Norte, Gonzalo Alvarez.

"Usually red tide episodes were limited in the inland sea of the Chiloe archipelago or in the channels and fjords of the southern regions of Aysen and Magallanes. What is happening now has never been heard of," added the scientist.

On Wednesday, water pollution due to the red tide that for a month has been hitting the archipelago of Los Lagos Region was extended to the region of Los Rios, 400 kilometers north of where it was first recorded.

The current red tide phenomenon is "the second largest worldwide after the one that was observed last year between the coasts of California and Alaska," Alvarez said. Experts also ensure it is "probable" that the phenomenon happens again although the intensity with which it would take place is unknown.

"When there were episodes of strong red tide it is highly likely that this event happens again," the aquaculture researcher of the University of Concepcion, Renato Quiñones, told Efe.

In his view, the Alexandrium catenella -- the dinoflagellate that produces the red tide -- forms cysts that can remain 'dormant' for years at the bottom of the coastline waiting for new weather conditions favouring its activation.

"We have to start thinking that this is going to be a recurring issue in an archipelago which depends mainly on aquaculture, fishing and tourism," warned Quiñones.

Hence, according to the expert, a "deep" look is required by the rulers who "should consider studying how they will organize the sustainable development of the area in the future."

"We should start to wonder what will happen to Chiloe in the future and the policies that would be needed to mitigate the effects that other episodes of red tide might have. Unfortunately, I do not see that anyone is thinking a lot about it," he criticized.

Source: Deutsche Welle - Read the full article here.

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