Local and state environmental health officials confirmed that samples of the orange algal bloom from King Salmon beach that were sent to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s laboratory last week were non-toxic dinoflagellate known as Noctiluca creating a red tide. While it was still visible, officials recommend avoiding direct contact with the water because of potential respiratory irritation or effects to the skin.Cyanobacteria can be present in any fresh water body. It looks like dark green, blue-green, black, orange or brown scum, foam or mats on the riverbed or floating on the water. Warm water and abundant nutrients can cause cyanobacteria to grow more rapidly than usual causing “blooms.”These blooms are termed “harmful algal blooms.” Most cyanobacteria does not affect animals or people, however, a small number of cyanobacteria species are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful to animals and humans. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods of time.Read More
