Posted by babbling ass on May 09, 2003 at 13:19:06:
In Reply to: nope, sorry, I don't know.... posted by Jeff on May 09, 2003 at 10:39:59:
Part of the algae bloom problem is caused directly from vessel sewage discharges.
"The impact of sewage on delicate coral reef communities is also a concern. Excessive amounts of nutrients from improperly treated sewage can harm coral reef ecosystems by overstimulating the growth of aquatic plants and algae. When the stimulation of algal growth is prolonged, the corals are smothered and die beneath the thick cover of algal growth. This, in turn, affects the fish and other organisms using the area, leading to a decrease in animal and plant diversity and affecting use of the water for fishing and swimming. Pathogens, which are disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and protozoans, can scar and cause disease in many species of corals. These microorganisms can enter water bodies through the discharge of inadequately treated sewage from vessels (as well as from other sources such as runoff or inadequately treated effluents from sewage treatment facilities)."
http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/vessel_sewage/vsdfaq.html