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Phytoplankton thrive in San Francisco Bay
13/Sep/2006: Phytoplankton, tiny plants that form the base of food web in water bodies, is thriving in San Francisco Bay. Phytoplankton is food to many fish species and other aquatic life forms. A study carried out by the U.S geological survey has shown that the phytoplankton population in San Francisco Bay has increased by over 75% since the early 90’s. The current population of phytoplankton in this region is the highest in 30 years, since the monitoring of their numbers begun.
The reason for the bloom of phytoplankton in this region is unclear, with a few experts suspecting the absence of predation to be the main reason, while others pointing to the reduction in toxic chemicals that once polluted the waters of San Francisco bay. A few believe that a shift in ocean current that is making warm water to stay at the top of the ocean’s surface, to be the main reason behind the exploding population of phytoplankton.
Some scientists worry that if the current bloom continues for another decade, San Francisco bay might face a different kind of problem, arising out of decaying phytoplankton, which might kill other aquatic life forms. Chesapeake Bay in Gulf of Mexico and the Baltic Sea had faced similar problems in the past, arising out of decaying phytoplankton. Decaying phytoplankton deplete the oxygen level in the water, killing fish and other marine life.
However, for the time being, the thriving phytoplankton population is expected to boost the numbers of fish and other marine life in region, by securing their food supply.
Kesavan Siva
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