What's Killing the Marine Creatures?
Domoic acid from algal bloom, and human role in it
I was visiting lovely beach
of Southern California.
It was spring,
and wildflowers bloomed
but there was a stench in
the air.
I knew a whale carcass
had floated ashore.
The cadaver was removed
but the smell lingered.
This spring again,
many beaches around
this region have witnessed
heart-wrenching scene of
dead whales and dolphins.
They investigated the cause
and it was a poison —
domoic acid — a neurotoxin,
from intense algal bloom.
While we know,
death is fate of mortals,
human role in algal infestation
is what makes it sad.
Agricultural runoff,
wildfire pollutants,
climate change,
and other causes
lead to ocean heating,
and acidification.
Algal explosion and the poison
disrupting the nervous system,
leading to neurological damage.
Domoic acid, an excitatory analog
of amino acid glutamate,
activates glutamate receptors
leading to by brain damage.
Can we be more mindful
of our actions,
for its unleashing catastrophes?
About the Creator
Seema Patel
Hi, I am Seema. I have been writing on the internet for 15 years. I have contributed to PubMed, Blogger, Medium, LinkedIn, Substack, and Amazon KDP.
I write about nature, health, parenting, creativity, gardening, and psychology.
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Comments (16)
Oh wow I didn't know that that's crazy! And heartbreaking as a huge animal lover that is hard to hear 🥺 I subscribed though I hope that cheers you up! Plz lmk what u think of my newest piece I'm new 💞💞💞
Congrats on TS!
Congratulations on your top story, Seema! All people need to be more mindful.
A well deserved top story poem. Brilliant to read.
Congratulations on your top story! You captured the heartbreaking reality of the situation so powerfully. The message about our impact on nature is clear and impactful. Well done!
Very good work 👏
This is such a sad issue. But, on a good note, I'm so happy you got another Top Story
The way how you see love and feel it is brilliant. I subscribed you to give my support and I welcome you to read my ones too 🥰!
🎉 Congrats on getting Top Story! 🌟 So well deserved — I’m super proud of you! 🙌💖 I seriously can’t wait to read the next one… I know it’s gonna be just as amazing! ✍️🔥 Keep shining! 💫
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
A real problem - We have to be more mindful of our actions. Congratulations on top story, and I would also like to invite you to my new publication on Medium "The New Originals".
Powerful, tragic, convicting. Humanity needs to learn to keep its impact on the globe in check; thank you for this beautiful and (as Dharrsheena said) devastating work of art.
Not just thought provoking. But it follows a strict and beautiful rhythm. Teaches us while guiding us on your thoughts about this terrible thing, what clever way to bring change through your writing. This was wonderfully done. Congratulations on your Top Story 🎉🎊🎉💖🤗
Beautiful
That sure is devastating. We really should be more mindful
So much rubbish goes into our waters, with no care for the sea life. It’s sad ♦️♦️♦️