Seaweed bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in water, caused by nutrient runoff, climate change and warming water temperature, changes in ocean currents. While in the past, in Santiago Island, proliferation seemed to be more occasional events, since 2023, after the global heat wave, we have begun to observe the almost constant presence of predominantly red macroalgae Polysiphonia sp. Over the past year, regular follow-up led by local women from Moia Moia and Praia Baixo confirmed our observations. Information from the islands of Maio and Boa Vista shows a similar trend. While in open waters the accumulation of algae benefits as habitat for fish, in coastal areas and beaches it has a number of negative impacts:
Marine life: When it reaches the shore in large quantities, it can choke coral reefs, block sunlight, and deoxygenate the water, killing fish and other marine animals. In coastal communities, blooms can cover beaches, disrupt tourism, and interfere with fishing. In human health: Decomposing marine macroalgae release hydrogen sulfide gas, which can cause an unpleasant odor and have other health effects.
We are currently working to identify the most effective local solutions to manage macroalgae blooms in coastal areas.
#ECOCV #AMMAR #UnipiagetCV #UoY #CNAP #INIDA #PolysiphoniaCaboVerde #algalbloomsSantiagoCV #MoiaMoia #PraiaBaixo
