On the opposite side of the country, where scientists such as Wekell are trying to learn more about three different types of toxic algae in the vast waterways of the Pacific Northwest, the human impact is far less clear. Indeed, one of the hardest hit areas is along the relatively pristine coast of British Columbia where in 1989 a quarter of a pound of contaminated mussels was found to contain enough toxin to kill 16 people. Different toxins affect different areas. The Northwest has been attacked primarily by three different algae which cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. The algae is consumed by shellfish, which pass it on up the food chain, and can kill you.
Some forms can absorb so much oxygen in the water column that fish suffocate.
Other forms are taken up by small fish, including sardines and anchovies, which in turn become poisonous to larger fish. The research project will see if we can finally learn what causes the organisms to suddenly begin reproducing at a rapid rate, leading to a full-scale bloom. If successful, that could at least give scientists a better chance of predicting when and where harmful blooms are most likely to occur. Some scientists will experiment with controlling blooms by smothering them with chemicals, or even dirt, but that part of the project is controversial. Our track record isn't terribly good.