Scientists Puzzled - Is Global Warming Causing Huge Phytoplankton Bloom off Vancouver Island?

    /24-7PressRelease/ - July 17, 2006 - A huge algae bloom off the west coast of Vancouver Island puzzles scientists. This was first sighted on Nasa satellite images in late June. Bluish - green in colour, this living mass is composed of microscopic phytoplankton. It is thought that perhaps it is caused by global warming.
Actually looking quite pretty in colour, the growth is about 15 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island and runs almost the whole length of the island.
The region includes Long Beach, part of Pacific Rim National Park, and famed for its miles of surf. The popular towns of Tofino and Ucluelet are also located along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The growth is not believed to be toxic, and is not related to red tide. Sidney's Institute of Ocean Sciences is collecting data on the algae bloom, believed because of its turquoise colour to be composed mainly of a plankton called coccolithophores.
Although it is common to see patches, a bloom of this size has never before been observed. Warm ocean temperatures encourage algae growth, leading scientists to believe this may be a result of global warming.
Vancouver Island is situated off Canada's west coast, running approximately 500 kilometres long. It's normally temperate climate and the many year-round attractions on Vancouver Island bring visitors from all over the world.

For further information on Vancouver Island, go to www.myvancouverislandparadise.com.

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