Scientists at Western Washington University’s Shannon Point Marine Center have received a trio of federal grants totaling more than $1.1 million to study why certain kinds of algae create toxic blooms in Puget Sound waters.

Some of these algae – both microscopic single-celled algae and larger seaweeds – contain toxins and can cause fish kills and close shellfish beds due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Others create nuisance conditions due to their physical presence in shallow waters or the odors that are created when they die and begin to disintegrate.
Some of these algae – both microscopic single-celled algae and larger seaweeds – contain toxins and can cause fish kills and close shellfish beds due to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). Others create nuisance conditions due to their physical presence in shallow waters or the odors that are created when they die and begin to disintegrate.