Invasive Algae Blooms, Hurts Hawaiian Reefs

When state aquatics biologist Russell Sparks goes diving in Maalaea he sees a slippery, slimy invasive algae growing on the reef that was once healthy coral. Gone is the coral ecosystem that is a habitat for a variety of reef fish. Sparks said a reason for the overgrowth of invasive algae is an increase in nutrients from land-based sources. Research data indicate there is a "correspondence" between algae blooms and wastewater injection wells pumping treated effluent deep into the ground, from where the nutrient-rich water is seeping out into the ocean...