The worst “Red Tide” in the history of Los Lagos

A red tide is a common name for a phenomenon known as a harmful algal bloom. Harmful algal bloom, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae, simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater, grow out of control turning the water red and producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. Red tide waters can be several colors, not all algal blooms are dense enough to cause water discoloration, and not all discolored waters associated with algal blooms are red.

HABs produce toxins that kill fish and make shellfish poisonous for human consumption. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal. The toxins may also make the surrounding air difficult to breathe or cause respiratory irritations as well as skin irritations. In addition, HABs are a national concern because they affect not only the health of people and marine ecosystems, but also the development of local and regional economies.

Millions of molluscs killed by catastroph red tide in Chile.

Red Tide, unfortunately, is not a distant situation for Chilean people. “The red tide” is a common naturally recurring phenomenon in southern Chile, but the extent of the current outbreak is unprecedented. The southern region of Los Lagos has been affected by what scientists say is the biggest red tide in its history.

In my opinion, it is really sad that fishermen are suffering the consequences of this new environmental disaster as many fishing communities count on the marine resources to survive. Although the government is making efforts to help fishermen and mitigate the economic effects they have been widely rejected as insufficient because many Chileans feel that the government is not doing enough.

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/redtide.html

For further information click on the link above.