Slime Crimes: Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart.

There  appears to be blue-green algae spreading through the South Fork of the St Lucie River. We have many reports and photos from our readers.

photo credit: Ed Lippish

photo credit: Ed Lippish

There were multiple photos taken from the Indian Street Bridge, Cabana Point and a canal in between the Palm City Bridge and Indian Street Bridge on the Stuart side.

Toxic Algae arrives in Stuart Photo by dawn walermen doza

From the Indian Street Bridge
Photo by dawn walermen doza

Algae at Cabana Point Photo credit: Kim Brown

Algae at Cabana Point
Photo credit: Kim Brown

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart

photo credit: leane cook
Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart

 

Tests showed that a large algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee was toxic, but despite that water discharges from the lake into our river nearly tripled on Friday.

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart
photo credit tim parsons

If you see what appears to be blue-green algae, don’t touch it, but report it to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by calling 772-467-5572.

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart

Toxic Algae has Arrived in Stuart
photo credit derrick fowler

From Wiki:

Harmful algal blooms have been observed to cause adverse effects to a wide variety of aquatic organisms, most notably marine mammals, sea turtles, seabirds and finfish. The impacts of HAB toxins on these groups can include harmful changes to their developmental, immunological, neurological, or reproductive capacities.

Toxic Algae is also harmful to humans and animals.

This is from the CDC.

https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/hab/default.htm

Algae are vitally important to marine and fresh-water ecosystems, and most species of algae are not harmful. Algal blooms occur in natural waters used for drinking and/or recreation when certain types of microscopic algae grow quickly in water, often in response to changes in levels of chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer, in the water. Algal blooms can deplete the oxygen and block the sunlight that other organisms need to live, and some can produce toxins that are harmful to the health of the environment, plants, animals, and people.

There is no antidote for the toxins produced by blue-green algae. Immediate veterinary care is imperative. If you suspect your dog was exposed to blue-green algae, contact Pet Poison Helpline immediately for guidance.

Algae at Cabana Point May 30, 2016 Photo credit: Kim Brown

Algae at Cabana Point May 30, 2016
Photo credit: Kim Brown

Very small exposures, such a few mouthfuls of algae-contaminated water, may result in fatal poisoning.

Common signs to watch for:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in stool or black, tarry stool
  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Jaundice
  • Seizures
  • Disorientation
  • Coma
  • Shock
  • Excessive secretions (e.g., salivation, lacrimation, etc.)
  • Neurological signs (including muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, paralysis, etc.)
  • Blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Death

Please keep your dogs out of the water.

TreasureCoast

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  • Posted 8 years ago

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