When people envision a scene of the ocean it’s typically an image of bluish-green water bordered by a lengthy stretch of golden sand. This however, is not the case for those who visit the Yellow Sea in Qingdao, China. Here recently this beach has experienced a massive growth in algae. It’s gotten so ridiculous that it literally appears as if the ocean has a thick blanket of algae covering it. This phenomenon has been occurring for years and since now has puzzled scientists. Just recently researchers have been able to trace the substantial amounts of algae to farms on rivers that feed into the Yellow Sea. The alga originates on the rafts used by farmers to produce seaweed. The rafts are then washed in the rivers which send the algae down to the ocean. The Yellow Sea is the ideal warm environment for the algae to grow and expand. As a possible solution scientists suggest that farmers wash their rafts on land rather than in the water. Fortunately this solution is not harbored with too many barriers; however, the farmers have to be willing to do their part and change their ways. Varying the way of washing the rafts would not affect costs substantially or be a huge inconvenience to the farmers. The solution although simple, seems like it would be very effective. It appears as if this is one of the only options guaranteed to terminate the spreading. In my opinion, this momentous algae growth is disgusting! The tourist levels in Qingdao have more than likely decreased significantly. Based on prior chemistry knowledge, this problem not only affects people but the sea-life as well. Due to the fact that the blanket of algae is so thick, plants underwater cannot complete photosynthesis. This lack of the photosynthesis then leads to a lack of necessary oxygen for the sea creatures living underwater. In conclusion, not only does the alga smell and appear unappealing, it’s extremely harmful to the environment as well. It’s a problem that definitely needs to be handled as soon as possible so it doesn't continue to spread to neighboring beaches.
Madison I think you are completely right; I can't believe some tourist play with the algae "like it was sand" and completely ignoring the disgusting smell. I wonder though if farmers agreed to clean their rafters on land if that would clear up the algae already at sea. I wonder if the decomposed algae would clear itself out or if more money would have to be poured into clearing it away; like what China did for the Olympics. I also wonder what was done with the all gathered algae; I would hope that it was not a wasted resource and it was fully utilized for its nutritional benefits as fertilizer. I think another thing to consider would be how the clearing of the algae effected the environment. I hope the government took precautions to ensure those clearing the sea of the algae where not unknowingly damaging other parts of the ecosystem.
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