Scientists Puzzled Is Global Warming Causing Huge Phytoplankton Bloom off Vancouver Island
Released on = July 19, 2006, 6:03 am
Press Release Author = Lynn Pritchard
Industry = Environment
Press Release Summary = A huge algae bloom off the west coast of Vancouver
Island puzzles scientists. This was first sighted on
Nasa satellite images in late June. Bluish – green in
colour, this living mass is composed of microscopic
phytoplankton. It is thought that perhaps it is caused
by global warming.
Press Release Body = A huge algae bloom off the west coast of Vancouver Island puzzles scientists. This was first sighted on
Nasa satellite images in late June. Bluish – green in
colour, this living mass is composed of microscopic
phytoplankton. It is thought that perhaps it is caused
by global warming.
Actually looking quite pretty in colour, the growth is
about 15 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver
Island and runs almost the whole length of the island.
The region includes Long Beach, part of Pacific Rim
National Park, and famed for its miles of surf. The
popular towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are also located
along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The growth is not believed to be toxic, and is not
related to red tide. Sidney’s Institute of Ocean
Sciences is collecting data on the algae bloom,
believed because of its turquoise colour to be
composed mainly of a plankton called coccolithophores.
Although it is common to see patches, a bloom of this
size has never before been observed. Warm ocean
temperatures encourage algae growth, leading
scientists to believe this may be a result of global
warming.
Vancouver Island is situated off Canada’s west coast,
running approximately 500 kilometres long. It’s
normally temperate climate and the many year-round
attractions on Vancouver Island bring visitors from
all over the world.
For further information on Vancouver Island, go to [url]http://www.myvancouverislandparadise.com[/url]
Web Site = http://www.myvancouverislandparadise.com
Contact Details = 9276 Wright St. Langley, BC V1M3T5
6048882765 lynnpritchard@yahoo.com
2012
