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__ http://floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=27877 __ Back Ecosystems, human, social, economic

An algal bloom is when there is a dense accumulation of microscopic organisms (due to an overbundance of nutrients in the water). The microorganisms release toxic substances into the water. This depleats the oxygen in the water, poisons aquatic animals and waterfowl, and irritates the skin and respiratory tract of humans. In addition to harming the ecosystem and humans, it also harms the economy. Because algal blooms creates public hazards, such as recreational swimmers and boaters becomming trapped in the water, many tourists and locals who use the water may stop comming. This would causes the surrounding business to lose money. Also, fisherman are not able to catch as many fish, causing them to make less money.

When algae is decreased or eliminated, this may also cause problems. Algae is one of the main sources of oxygen for the aquatic organsims in its ecosystem. When it is decreased or eliminated, the amount of oxygen in the ecosystem is also decreased, which could cause the organsims depending on this oxygen to die. Fish being included in these organisms, fisherman would catch less fish, increasing the prices for restaurants and citizens. The absence of aquatic organisms and algae in the water may cause an increase of recreational tourists to the water though, which would help the surrounding businesses.