the Howe Sound algae bloom

This August’s unique algae bloom in Howe Sound between Vancouver Island and the lower mainland of British Columbia:

Howe Sound green algae bloom, August 2016
Howe Sound green algae bloom, August 2016 (unretouched) ©Adrian Taverner

The usually deep green water turned pale and chalky green on us in the space of a week. Harmless unless you’re an ocean plant that depends on sunlight to grow. Hmm. Most of us thought the water was warmer than usual as well. Also hmm.

I took the above image when it was clear we weren’t going to win our race with a squall coming up behind us on our way to Gambier Island from Pender Harbour on the Sunshine Coast. Crazy contrasting colours!

Here’s the CTV News story on the algae bloom, with a great image from NASA.