Foam in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

foam on the beaches of monterey bay — Foam created by the dinoflagellate *Akashiwo sanguinea* along the shoreline in Monterey Bay. Photo: Cori Gibble

This month, September 2016, there was a large increase in the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea in Monterey Bay. While not toxic, it has the ability to discolor the water and also produce a surfactant foam. The highest concentrations occurred between the Pajaro River and Capitola Beach. In 2007 there was a similar bloom of Akashiwo sanguinea that coated the feathers of many birds in the Monterey Bay area, causing them distress. Volunteers from the Beach COMBERS program have not encountered birds in distress from the current event, however; as a reminder if you see a live bird in distress, please call: In Santa Cruz County - Native Animal Rescue (831) 462-0726, In Monterey County - Monterey County SPCA Wildlife Center (831) 264-5427.