ALGAE LINKED TO ALLIGATOR DEATHS: The AP reported 10/19 recent surges in the growth of algae and associated toxins may be causing a wave of alligator deaths in Florida. Many species of blue-green algae release chemicals toxic to the nervous system and liver of animals. Some scientists believe algae may also be linked to non-cancerous tumors being found on sea turtles. The increase in algae has worsened in the past year and is caused by runoff of fertilizers, sewage, and other nutrients into the water system.
*********************************************************************************************A note of clarification regarding Alligator deaths in Florida - from Allan R. Woodward, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission -
We have not observed what we consider to be a "wave" of alligator deaths in Florida but, rather, have found larger (>1.5 m) alligator mortality on two Florida lakes. About 60 alligators have been found dead of unknown causes on Lake Griffin and another 2 on Newnans Lake over the past year. Both lakes are hypereutrophic, have dense alligator populations, and have had a recent shift in the phytoplankton community from one dominated by relatively benign cyanobacteria to the sometimes toxic Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii. C. raciborskii is known to produce liver toxins and has recently been found to produce neurotoxins. Morbid alligators captured on Lake Griffin were lethargic and exhibited signs of neuro-muscular disfunction. Tissue samples from several morbid alligators have been sent to labs for toxin assays. Futher investigations will try to determine if toxic algae are, indeed, implicated in the alligator deaths.