NOAA grant to help Washington monitor toxic algae bloom

SEATTLE (AP) - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is committing $88,000 to help Washington analyze a massive bloom of toxic algae off the coast that have closed some shellfish harvests.

The algae blooms have occurred along the West Coast from southern California to Alaska since May. Dangerous toxin levels prompted the closure of Dungeness crab fishing off the southern coast of Washington. Ocean beaches were also closed to recreational razor clamming.

The algae can produce a toxin that can be harmful to fish, marine mammals and people.

The award announced Thursday provides $75,000 to the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems. Other money will go to researchers collecting samples of the toxins for study and analysis.

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer says the money help scientists get to the bottom of the problem that has hurt fisheries and others.

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