Stop Algae Bloom From Suffocating and Poisoning Thousands of Marine Animals

Target: Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

Goal: Fix the destructive algae bloom that is devastating biodiversity of the San Francisco Bay area.

A mass algae bloom is reeking havoc on the San Francisco Bay area, in what has been described by scientists as one of the most devastating algae blooms in recent history with the highest density algae coverage recorded in over 40 years. Due to a lack of oxygen, thousands of fish and shellfish are drowning and washing ashore, destroying ecosystems and harming local fishing communities. Even marine mammals are affected, and countless seals and sea lions have exhibited signs of domoic acid poisoning–a toxin released by certain types of algae–walking around beaches with their heads bobbing and mouths foaming.

These blooms are likely the product of human activity–as the hundreds of millions of gallons of treated wastewater that are dumped into the bay each month, as well as agricultural fertilizer and pesticide runoffs, contain just the nutrients that algae feed on. Fixing this problem might cost upwards of $14 billion, and efforts must be made quickly if we want to save the ecosystems and communities that rely on this bay.

Sign this petition to demand action is taken, and that funds are allocated towards getting rid of this destructive algal bloom.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Newsom,

The recent algae bloom in the San Francisco Bay has the highest algae density recorded in the last 40 years. Thousands of fish–which are crucial in maintaining and sustaining local ecosystems, as well as regional fishing communities–are washing ashore, suffocating from the lack of oxygen. Marine mammals are getting poisoned from toxins released by the algae, and have been reported walking around on beaches, disoriented and foaming at the mouths.

We are to blame for all this devastation. Each month, between 300 and 500 million gallons of treated wastewater are dumped into the bay, in addition to excess fertilizer runoff from farms and plantations. These substances contain the exact nutrients algae need to grow and thrive, leading to algae blooms such as this.

We are asking you, Mr. Newsom, to allocate necessary funding and other resources towards helping the bay recover from this catastrophe.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Adityamadhav83