What impact can algae blooms followed by die-off have on aquatic life?

Algae blooms followed by die-off can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems, particularly by leading to fish kills. When algae bloom, they can create an excess of organic material in the water. When the algae eventually die and decompose, this process consumes oxygen from the water, leading to hypoxic or even anoxic conditions—those low or absent oxygen levels can be fatal for fish and other aquatic organisms.

As oxygen levels drop, fish may struggle to survive, leading to stress or mortality, especially for species that are less tolerant to changes in oxygen concentration. This cascading effect can disrupt the entire aquatic ecosystem, impacting not just fish but also invertebrates and other organisms dependent on stable oxygen levels.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for managing aquatic environments and for effective pest control strategies. Recognizing the potential for fish kills from algae blooms can inform actions to monitor and mitigate harmful algal growths or their effects on aquatic life.