On the afternoon of September 17, a red-orange substance was reported in the water approximately 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay and was determined to be an algal bloom by visual inspection.
A red algal bloom looms near the Coast Guard Cutter Barracuda approximately 11 miles south of Half Moon Bay. California Department of Fish and Game officials determined that the red-orange substance was the result of decaying organic matter from an algal bloom. Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
The organic material was reported to be in long ribbon-like strings by an overflying pilot. Upon receiving this report, the Coast Guard cutter Barracuda, an 87-foot patrol boat, arrived on scene and took samples of the organic material. A California Department of Fish and Game Marine Warden was on board the Barracuda when the samples were taken.
California Department of Fish and Game officials determined that the red-orange substance was the result of decaying organic matter from an algal bloom. This is a seasonal event that commonly occurs in fall when an upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich water creates ideal conditions for algal blooms. When followed by warm, calm waters, the algae breaks down into a red-orange substance, which is sometimes mistaken for non-organic substances such as dye markers or oil.
To report all oil and chemical discharges into the water, contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. The National Response Center is national point of contact for all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological discharges into the environment anywhere in the United States. You can also make reports online at www.nrc.uscg.mil.
The California Department of Fish and Game Marine Region manages and protects fish and the marine environment. More information on the California Department of Fish and Game Marine Region can be found at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/.
