Karenia Bravis Research Paper

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I am writing this letter to urge you to support the research efforts on Karenia Brevis, or Red Tide. A natural phenomenon I am sure you are aware of. Karenia Brevis is an extremely invasive species that creates a state of turmoil for the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystem. This harmful algal bloom is not only responsible for the destruction to marine species, but is harmful to human health. Red Tide is also responsible for the loss of millions of dollars in profit and revenue for coastal industries and towns. There are ongoing research experiments testing ways to control Red tide before it can cause its damage, but support and funding is desperately needed.

There are many factors that contribute to the growth and spread of this harmful algal blooms, or HABs. According to livescience.com, “low salinity levels, a high nutrient content and warmer than usual water temperatures “, directly contribute to the growth of Red Tide. Another event that can trigger a massive red tide bloom is dust from the Sahara desert settles onto the water during rain events, …show more content…

Brevetoxin exposure affects all types of fish, this toxin causes corkscrew swimming patterns, pectoral fin paralysis, and curvature of the caudal fin. Basically, the fish die because their gills can no longer function properly. Red tide is responsible for the deaths of nearly 840 bottlenose dolphins since 1988. The dolphins were tested by researchers and all tested positive for brevetoxins either found in their lungs from inhale the toxins or in their digestive tracks from ingesting contaminated prey. (myfwc.com) Red tide blooms have also claimed the lives of 241 manatees, further threating an already endangered species (nytimes.com).Furthermore the decay caused by red tide causes hypoxia, an event that depletes the oxygen in water making it impossible for marine life to thrive in the infected

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