Experts concerned as algae blooms expand along shore of Pine Island Road

LEE COUNTY – A sludge of algae is building up on the shore along Pine Island Road.

It looks almost as bad as it smells, and experts say it will only get worse.

Although the algae is becoming normal in the area, it isn’t something we can ignore.

Susan Dahod is the Calusa Waterkeeper. She said this kind of growth is not normal.

Since it’s been around for a while, scientists are starting to understand it better.

She said the algae grows on top of seagrass and coats it. When it dies, it floats to the surface.

When the algae starts to rot, bacteria begins to consume it — taking all the oxygen out of the water. Killing the wildlife that lives below the surface.