ALGAL BLOOMS
The Effects on Fish
Team 8: Olivia Bruce , Emily Clifford,
Yanting Huang, Aaron Vincent, Shakil
Kanji , Jeanne Ho
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Algae
Algal blooms
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Conditions for blooms
How gills work
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Model
Effects on fish
 Model
Effects on humans and surrounding environment
Toxins
Canadian Examples
International Examples
Related Issues
Solutions
Interesting Facts
Moral and Ethical Implications
Resources
Reflection
ALGAE
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Fresh-water algae (phytoplankton):
vary in shape and color
 are found in a large range of habitats, such as ponds,
lakes, reservoirs, and streams.
 are a natural and essential part of the ecosystem .
 are the base of the aquatic food chain.
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The following algae are examples of algae that
can cause harmful algal blooms:
Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)
 Pfiesteria piscicida living in estuaries
 Harmful marine algae occurring in oceans like
Karenia brevis
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ALGAL BLOOMS
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Under certain conditions, several species of true
algae and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are
capable of causing:
excessive accumulations of foams and scum
 discoloration of the water
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Algal "bloom" :
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When the algae population in a lake or a river
increase explosively.
Lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers are most
susceptible to blooms.
 In oceans, occurs most frequently in the Pacific
Northwest
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ALGAL BLOOMS CONTINUED
Usually float on the surface and can be many
inches thick, and mostly occur near the shoreline.
 Blooms can look like foam, scum, or mats on the
surface of water bodies.
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Can be blue, bright green, brown, or red
 May look like floating paint
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Some blooms do not affect appearance
Blooms can be suspended at various depths in the
water
 Depends on factors such as light, phosphorus and
nitrogen
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HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS (HABS)
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All algae blooms are not harmful
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Researchers agree that between 30% to 50% of algae blooms
are harmless
Non-toxic algae blooms could occur, and these are harmless
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) are those that negatively
impact fish and other organisms producing:
Toxic effects in humans and other organisms
 Physical problems in fish and shellfish
 Odours and discolouration of water and fish habitats
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Their occurrence are completely natural in some cases, as a
result of the movement of certain ocean currents.
In other cases, they appear to be linked to increased
nutrient supply from human activities
CONDITIONS FOR BLOOMS
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High nutrient levels
Especially an excess of phosphates and nitrates
 May be the result of pollution
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Waste breaks down, releasing nutrients into water
 Creates an excess of nutrients normally found in that
ecosystem
 Fertilizer runoff, septic tank overflows, etc.
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High air and water temperatures
Better for growth
 Blooms more common in more places due to general
temperature increase in global waters (Global
Warming)
 Most often occur in late summer to early fall
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HOW GILLS WORK
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Water comes in through the mouth, and goes
through the gills
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constant stream
Gill rakers filter the water
 Oxygen is absorbed through the thin membranes
of the gill fillaments into the blood
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HOW GILLS WORK - VIDEO
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Public - Windows Live
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Watch video “AG 1”
EFFECTS ON FISH
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Examples of fish that have been known to carry toxins:
blackfin snapper, hogfish, barracuda, king mackeral
etc.
Depletes oxygen from the water
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Suffocates fish
Releases toxins when algae dies
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May be lethal
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Causes salt regulation to break down
Algae accumulates in gills
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If not, may present neurological symptoms, or will present in
higher trophic levels
Irritates gills
Mucus forms
This, in turn, may affect consumers of these fish, resulting in
bioaccumulation of toxins
Mucus forms on gills
Mechanical damage, such as disruption in epithelial gill
tissues in fish, resulting in asphyxiation
EFFECTS ON FISH - VIDEO
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Public - Windows Live
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Watch video “AG 2”
EFFECTS ON HUMANS AND
SURRONDING ENVIRONMENT
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Fish kills = loss of food/money
Not aesthetically appealing
Effect on property sales/development in surrounding
regions
 Effect tourism rates
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Effect on water supply
Cannot be used for drinking, or swimming
 Gives water a bad odour
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When algae decomposes, it needs oxygen
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Water becomes poisonous and toxic
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Reduces oxygen supply for the fish in the lake
Harmful to surrounding environment (i.e. wildlife and fish)
Recreational use of lake (no swimming, boating etc)
Seafood becomes toxic and can harm humans if they
ingest a “toxic” fish
EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED
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Swimming in affected areas could cause eye and skin
irritation and burning as well as other hay fever-like allergic
reactions.
Winds could blow toxic gases released by some species of
algae onshore, negatively effecting people.
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The toxic aerosol gas released by the species Karenia brevis could
cause respiratory irritation, such as coughing, sneezing and
tearing.
Swallowing contaminated water could also lead to:
Liver toxicity (i.e. increased serum levels of liver enzymes)
 Kidney toxicity
 Neurotoxicity
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Ingesting water contaminated with toxins produced by algae
blooms could produce the following reactions:
Headaches and Abdominal Pain
 Nausea, Fever and Vomiting
 Diarrhoea
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EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED
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Toxic Effects resulting from contaminated
shellfish/fish/water:
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Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)
Toxins like domoic acid produced by algae of genus Pseudonitzschia
 Can be treated and cured
 Obtained mainly from molluscan shellfish but can be derived from
certain fish species and sea birds
 clams, oysters, anchovies, etc.
 Result in gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, may result in
death (severe cases)
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Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
Caused by toxins produced by algae of Genus Alexandirium
 No known cure, fatal
 Obtained from bivalved/non-bivalved shellfish
 lobster, oysters, etc.
 Results in neurological disorders and symptoms
 Paralysis in respiratory organs may lead to death
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EFFECTS ON HUMANS CONTINUED
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Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP)
Results in neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular
symptoms
 Can be treated, no known cure
 Obtained from mainly tropical reef fish
 mackerel, parrot fish, tang etc.
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Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP)
Obtained from types of shellfish and fish
 Razorfish, scallops, etc.
 Can be treated and cured
 Results in gastrointestinal symptoms
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Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP)
Caused by a species of algae called Karenia brevis
 Can be treated and cured
 Common gastrointestinal, neurological and asthma-like respiratory
disturbance symptoms
 Obtained from shellfish, fish, and small sea mammals
 scallops, sea turtles, sea birds, etc.
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TOXINS
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The following neurotoxins affect the nervous system in
humans.
Anatoxin-a
 Anatoxin-a(s)
 Saxitoxin
 Neosaxitoxin
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The following hepatotoxins affect the liver in humans.
Microcystins
 Nodularins
 Cylindrospermopsin
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The following tumour promoters are chemicals that can
increase tumour growth in humans.
Microcystins
 Lipopolysaccharides are chemicals that can affect the
gastrointestinal system.
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EXAMPLES OF TOXINS AND THEIR CHEMICAL
STRUCTURES
CANADIAN EXAMPLES
ALBERTA
Due to increased summer temperatures, greenblue algal blooms development in Alberta lakes
 Caution notices released throughout the summer
by Alberta Health Services
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Pigeon Lake 2009
Lac La Nonne 2009
EASTERN CANADA ASP/DSP/PSP TOXIN
LOCATIONS (1997)
INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES
EFFECTS ON OTHER MARINE ANIMALS:
CALIFORNIA CASE STUDY(JUNE 2008)
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Investigation of algal toxin effects on fetal brain
development of sea lions was conducted by John
Ramsdell of NOAA's Centre for Environmental
Health and Biomolecular Research in Charleston, SC,
along with Tanja Zabka, a veterinary pathologist at
the Marine Mammal Centre
Exposure to increased levels of domoic acid (natural
chemical released by toxic algal blooms) result in
behavioural abnormalities in California Sea Lions
Increase of epileptic seizures
 Newly found chronic disease
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RELATED ISSUE
FISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009
Massive fish kill in the Neuse River, North
Carolina during August-October 2009
 Millions of fish killed
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Approximately 90%+ were Menhaden
 Other species include flounder, shrimp, blue crab
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FISH KILL: THE NEUSE RIVER 2009
CONTINUED
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Factors contributing to massive kill:
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Increase in precipitation
Run-off flowed into the river carrying sewage, fertilizer,
waste from pets
 Increase in algal bloom activity
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Increased temperature during the summer
Calm weather conditions reduced salt and fresh
water mixing
Creates layers in the water
 Difficult for oxygen to pass
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Dense populations of Menhaden
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Gather during late summer before heading to the sea
RELATED ISSUE
ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA
Summer 2009, Lake Victoria of Ggaba, Uganda
 Depletion of tilapia fish due to algal blooms
 Increase of pollution, precipitation and frequent
warm weather contribute to algal bloom growth
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ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA
CON’T
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Effects of Algal Blooms:
Local fishermen/residents
 Reduced amount of fish to consume and/or sell
 Water no longer of household use
 Reduced income for fishermen
 Less money for educational fees necessary needs
 Algal blooms themselves may be harmful and contain toxins
 Reduced amount of tourism due to unappealing terrain
 Economic income of area is reduced: no tourism results in less
profits for local businesses
 Water rationing in the Kampala region
 Algal blooms clogged water treatment plants
 Unbalanced natural ecosystem
 Reduced amount of fish and other surrounding species
 Natural filters such as swamps are overwhelmed
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ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE VICTORIA
CON’T
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Factors contributing to algal bloom growth:
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Increase in precipitation this season
Frequent warm weather
Over fertilization due to run-off water:
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Unregulated dumping
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Urban farming by local farmers
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Industrial waste create high levels of ammonia which suffocate fish
Lack of treatment and cleaning of industrial effluents (treated sewage
discharged into the lake)
Chemicals carried to the lake by rainfall streams
Local use of charcoal
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Contributes high levels of carbon to the lake
ALGAL BLOOMS IN LAKE
VICTORIA CONTINUED
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Solutions:
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Fish breeding sites added to the lake to aid fish
population
Law reforms to prohibit dumping especially near swamp
regions
Maintenance stations for vehicles (where chemicals and
fuel may be harmful to the lake) are restricted near the
lake
Natural and abundant vegetation planted around the
lake to reduce over fertilization and erosion
Aquatic weed control project launched to filter the lake
RELATED ISSUE
ALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL
Cao Lake in Anhui Province, China
Above; wildlife covered in algal sludge,
top right; algal blooms skim the top of
the Cao Lake surface, right; algal
bloom stench is near unbearable.
RELATED ISSUE
ALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL
Coastline of Korpo, Finland
Top & right; depending on seasonal
characteristics such as temperature and
wind, the appearance of the algal blooms
varies.
RELATED ISSUE
ALGAL BLOOMS: GLOBAL
2005: Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), a primary algal bloom contributor, sources in different river basins
across the world.
SOLUTIONS
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Chemicals can be used to get rid of algae blooms
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Direct moving of the algal blooms by
towing/skimming the water surface
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However, these chemicals still have a negative effect
on the wildlife
algal blooms may reproduce faster than removal
process
Introducing invasive species to dispose of algal
blooms
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Bacteria, parasites, viruses
SOLUTIONS
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Reduce amount of nutrient in lakes to limit
amount of algal blooms:
Reduce sewage: replacing septic tanks to avoid
seepage into bodies of water
 Reduce agricultural/industrial/residential waste:
limit use of fertilizers, alternate disposal methods
 Controlling agricultural, urban, and stormwater
runoff: increase use permeable paving materials,
alternate disposal methods
 Increase vegetation growth in surrounding terrain:
nutrients absorbed
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SOLUTION: WATER TREATMENT PLANTS
Solutions and treatment methods that involve
using chemicals like copper sulphate should not
be used
 Water Treatment Plants can also be used to
monitor and remove threats caused by HABs.
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Algae cells can be removed by adding chemicals (like
aluminum sulphate or alum) that bind them together
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Cells clump together, become heavier and fall to the bottom
of the tank, which then can be filtered out
Harmful toxins can then be removed by using certain
oxidation procedures or activated charcoal
INTERESTING FACTS
The Harmful Algal Bloom Pfiesteria piscicida
literally translates to “fish-killer”(piscicida)
 HABs are often referred to as “red tides” in
marine coastal areas
 Third-generation biofuel or algaeoluem is derived
from algae
 Algal blooms can be present in drinking water
supplies
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Researchers use ultrasound waves that can get as hot
as 3700°C in order to break the molecules to kill the
algae
Moral and Ethical Implications
Although algal blooms can be economically and
environmentally harmful, it can be considered
unethical to kill algal blooms since they are living
organisms
 Fish are always being killed for food for humans
but is it fair to kill fish as well because we do not
take care of our environment?
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There is already a problem with over fishing in the
oceans which is decreasing the fish population
Some algal blooms are a result of human
pollution and are unnatural
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Is it just for humans to then use harmful chemicals
to fix their own problem?
RESOURCES
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Anderson, Don, compiler. 2008. Harmful Algae [Internet]. NOAA/CSCOR/COP. [cited
2009 Dec 21]. Available from: http://www.whoi.edu/redtide/page.do?pid=9257

Canadian Inspection Agency. 2006. Causes of Foodborne Illnesses [Internet]. [cited
2009 Dec 26]. Available from:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/causee.shtml
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Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. 2006. Domoic Acid Information and
History [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 23]. Available from:
http://www.cimwi.org/stranded_domoic.html
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CTV Edmonton. 2009. Algae health advisory issued for Lake Isle [Internet]. [cited
2009 Dec 26]. Available from:
http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090813/edm_algae_090813/2
0090813/?hub=EdmontonHome
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Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) and their Toxins [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01].
Health Canada: Environmental and Workplace Health. [cited 2009 Dec 28] Available
from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/cyanobacter-eng.php
RESOURCES CONTINUED
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Energy Matters. 2008. Harmful Algal Blooms: Causes and Solutions [Internet]. [cited
2009 Dec 26]. Available from:
http://indianhillmediaworks.typepad.com/energy_matters/2008/12/harmful-algalblooms-causes-and-solutions.html
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Fournier, Raphael RH. Green Peace China. Photos [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 28].
Available from: http://www.greenpeace.org/china/en/photosvideos/photos/bluegreen-algal-bloom-in-cao
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Government of Alberta. Algal blooms [Internet]. [cited December 6, 2009]. Available
from: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/WATER/swq/ brochures/algalblooms.html

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. Harmful Algal bloom programme
[Internet]. [cited November 28, 2009]. Available from: http://www.iocunesco.org/hab/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=5&Itemid=16
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Kampala International University. 2008. Double efforts to save Lake Victoria
[Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26 2009]. Available from:
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/14/625322
RESOURCES CONTINUED
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National, Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service [Internet].
Investigating the oceans : algal blooms. Available from: http://www.sciencehouse.org/nesdis/algae/background.html

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 2001.
Environmental Sciences Section [Internet]. Raleigh, NC 27699-1621 919.743.8400
[cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from :
http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/documents/NeuseFishKillsSummerFall2009.pdf
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Parker, Steve. Fish. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co.; 1990.

Ramsdell et al. In Utero Domoic Acid Toxicity: A Fetal Basis to Adult Disease in the
California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus). Marine Drugs, 2008; 6 (2): 262 [cited
2009 Dec 26] Available from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080609103232.htm

Remtulla, Noreen. 2009. Alberta Health Services. Take precautions during blue-green
algae blooms [internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from:
http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/510.asp

Sawa, Pius. Inter Press Service. 2009. Water-Uganda: Reducing Run-off To Protect
Lake Victoria [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26]. Available from:
http://www.globalissues.org/news/2009/10/24/3245
RESOURCES CONTINUED
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Tango, Peter, compiler. 2009. Microcystis Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 26].
Available from: http://www.ecocheck.org/forecast/chesapeake/2009/indicators/microcystis/#_Methodology

The International Standard for the Trade in Live Reef Food Fish. 2007. Requirement
2.5-Harmful Algal Blooms [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 21]. Available from:
http://www.livefoodfishtrade.org/

Water Encyclopedia Science and Issues . 2010. Algal Blooms in Fresh Water.
[Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec 22]. Available from:
http://www.waterencyclopedia.com/A-Bi/Algal-Blooms-in-Fresh-Water.html

Wilson, Drew C. Havelock News. Millions Dead, but why? [Internet]. [cited 2009 Dec
26]. Available from: http://www.havenews.com/articles/soon-6019-knew-aug.html

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) [Internet]. [updated 2008 Jul 01]. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention [cited 2009 Dec 28]. Available from:
http://www.cdc.gov/hab/default.htm
Reflection: Choice of Topic
All interested in building a model along with
compiling research
 Going to show how a fish worked (moving
muscles, fins etc.)
 Needed to relate this to an international issue

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Some of us had learned about algal blooms in biology
class
Decided to build a model to show how algal
blooms affect the fish, and indirectly, humans
 Once discovered that the blooms have the largest
impact on a fish’s gills, we decided to only build a
cross section of the gills along with the mouth

Reflection: Research Process

Once we found an example of an area affected by
algal blooms (first example found was Alberta),
we divided up the research topics into:
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Algal blooms (Background information)
How gills work (Basic information on fish)
Effects of blooms on fish and humans
National and International examples
Solutions to the issue
Used a book with helpful diagrams and various
internet resources (see resource slide)
Reflection: Model
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We all decided to make a model for our project as a
visual aid in understanding the effects of algal blooms
Using a diagram of the inside of a fish as our guide, we
gathered all our materials by looking through recycling
bins and arts & crafts stores
Some of the materials used were pipe cleaners,
construction paper, modeling clay, paper mache,
newspapers, glue, etc.
Once the model was completed, one video was made
describing the different parts and functions
In addition, a second video of our fish model was made to
describe what happens to the fish when it is affected by
algal blooms
Reflection: Power Point
Once everyone had completed the research
process, we all compiled our research notes
together
 With everyone’s research, a couple of us started
to make the Power Point with the key
information on fish and algal blooms
 Afterwards, the rest of the group did more in
depth research and found more examples to
support our research
 Each member of the group further added to the
Power Point each time new research was
conducted to produce this final result

Reflection: Group Dynamics

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Together, we came up with a topic and project idea quite
easily, as we were all interested in fish and algal blooms
To incorporate everyone’s strengths, we not only decided to
do a research project, but we created the model
Held group meetings about every Wednesday after school
for about 15 minutes to discuss progress and group ideas
Communicated on ANGEL to discuss research and share
useful resources
Used email effectively to send the power point presentation
back and forth to add information, revise others’ ideas and
to edit the final presentation
Set deadlines for ourselves to complete certain aspects of
our research
Frequently checked ANGEL to read each others posts and
to check for project guideline updates
Reflection: Areas of Weakness
We could have finished our research earlier (i.e.
by the end of November) to maximize time for the
creation of the model and power point
 Used ANGEL more frequently during the
research process and complete more discussion
posts over the entire four months
 Keep all of the posts in one thread to avoid
confusion on ANGEL
 Every group member should have attended the
meetings after school to increase team work
