When Northwest coasts were hit by a major algae bloom this fall, the results were devastating to seabirds. Thousands died after being exposed to toxic sea foam – foam that was produced by the algae breaking apart in the waves.
As for people, news stories at the time said there was no danger to human health, despite a handful of reports about surfers and kayakers possibly getting sick.
Now, a group of health officials and other scientists are in the very early stages of studying the issue. Can these events harm people who are playing in the water or walking along the shore? To answer the question, they’re asking for help from surfers.
