The content has not been reviewed for scientific accuracy or edited in any manner. But while researchers were testing the shellfish and nearby waters for signs of disease, they found a single cell of the microorganism pfiesteria in the Atlantic Ocean. The organism, in its toxic form, has killed or sickened millions of fish in North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland and is suspected in health problems among watermen and researchers. But it is usually associated with inland waters. Pfiesteria is a common organism, but it can take on a toxic form under certain environmental conditions.
Scientists believe that pollution triggers the transformation.
The single cell of pfiesteria found about a mile south of the Corolla Lighthouse marks the first time in almost five years that the algae-like creature has been documented in the sea off North Carolina. But scientists said that may be because they don't routinely test the water for the organism unless there has been a fish kill or other evidence of its presence. The organism can leave lesions on the skin of dead or dying fish, and sometimes on humans. There's no indication the waters up there aren't fine. Pfiesteria's probably been around forever.