Miles of waterways and beaches in St Lucie and Martin counties swamped with foul-smelling algae, causing skin rashes and raising concerns over marine animals
An area of southern Florida has been hit by an “unprecedented” outbreak of blue-green algae, causing miles of waterways and beaches to be swamped with foul-smelling toxins that have caused skin rashes among residents and raised concerns over the fate of marine animals.
Florida governor Rick Scott has declared a state of local emergency in St Lucie and Martin counties, in the Treasure Coast region, after the bloom caused water at some beaches to thicken and turn pea green. Warnings at four beaches spanning 20 miles in Martin county urged beachgoers to not enter the water.
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Source: Guardian Environment