Algal bloom kills birds

A chemical released by algae blamed

hundreds of wintering seabirds were reportedly found dead on the shores of Monterey bay, usa, towards the end of 2007. Feathers of the birds were coated in a foamy yellow-green substance. A team of researchers traced the substance to an unusually large red tide in the bay caused by the algal species Akashiwo sanguinea.

Monterey bay is home to a large number of marine animals. It is second only to San Francisco bay, US, in harbouring migratory sea ducks.

About 550 birds were stranded and 207 were found dead in November-December, 2007. Closer view of the birds