Uncover the secrets of stinky seaweed, known as sargassum. This brown algae is vital for marine life while affecting coastal ...

Algae oil has become a popular source of healthy fats. Many people cook with it because of its high smoke point. Learn if you should use algae oil for cooking.

Even clear lakes can contain this dangerous bacteria and children and pets are among the most at risk. Here's what to look ...

The diver-operated microscope — called the Benthic Underwater Microscope imaging PAM, or BUMP — incorporates pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) light techniques to offer an unprecedented look at ...

Some of that algae, called benthic algae, can cause serious health effects when ingested. In one case, a dog died after eating a clump of toxic algae in the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities.

“We became aware of this new algae, these benthic mats, basically last fall when we had a dog death after being exposed to these benthic algae mats,” Melnick said.

Clark County Public Health warns river users to watch for benthic algae mats—recently spotted at Cottonwood Beach—that can release toxins lethal to pets and harmful to people.

A mat of benthic green and blue-green algae is collected from the bottom of the Shenandoah River during a harmful algal bloom. A similar type of algae was first found in the Columbia River in late ...

Clark County Public Health created signs warning of benthic algae mats in bodies of water after two dog deaths linked to the Columbia River in 2024 (Courtesy Clark County Public Health).

Health officials in Washington and Oregon are warning pet owners about a new kind of algae that was discovered in the Columbia River. It’s called benthic algae, and it typically grows on rocks ...

Health officials in Washington and Oregon are warning pet owners about a new kind of algae that was discovered in the Columbia River. It’s called benthic algae, and it typically grows on rocks ...

“The benthic algae is the one that grows on the rocks, which is what this was,” Pang said. In a recent public health meeting, officials said it can grow at the bottom of river and lake floors.