Study Detects Toxic Algae in Southern Indian River Lagoon

A harmful algae species capable of producing a potent marine toxin has been detected in the southern Indian River Lagoon, raising new concerns for the communities, fisheries, and wildlife that depend on the estuary stretching through Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.

Researchers identified multiple species of Pseudo-nitzschia — microscopic diatoms that can produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin linked to shellfish poisoning and wildlife die-offs — living and blooming in the lagoon's southern waters, according to a study published in Harmful Algae in 2023. The study tracked the presence, toxicity levels, and seasonal dynamics of these organisms across sampling sites in the region. According to available information,

Domoic acid poisoning — known clinically as amnesic shellfish poisoning — can cause vomiting, disorientation, and in severe cases, permanent memory loss or death in humans who consume contaminated shellfish. Marine mammals and seabirds are also highly vulnerable. The Indian River Lagoon is home to one of Florida's most significant manatee populations, along with bottlenose dolphins and hundreds of bird species.

The lagoon has faced mounting ecological stress in recent years, including seagrass loss and cyanobacteria blooms linked to nutrient pollution from agricultural runoff and stormwater discharges. Those conditions — elevated nutrients and altered water clarity — favor harmful algae growth, making these findings especially relevant for a system already under pressure.

Residents who fish, swim, or harvest shellfish recreationally in the lagoon should be aware that Pseudo-nitzschia blooms may not visibly discolor the water, making them difficult to detect without laboratory testing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the St. Lucie County Health Department periodically monitor shellfish harvest areas and can issue closures when toxin thresholds are exceeded. According to available information,

The lead author may be contacted for direct comment on the findings and their implications for lagoon management. The TC Sentinel has reached out for a response.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.