APRIL 27, 2017 // 21
Algae
By LYNETTE MCADAMS
Found on every continent,
in nearly every ecosystem,
the organisms that make up
the group we call “algae”
are as diverse as they are
widespread.
More than 70,000 different
species fall within this clas-
sification, ranging from the
smallest green algae, which is
single-celled and microscopic,
to the largest brown algae, the
giant kelp, which can grow to
almost 200 feet.
Able to survive on land
but found even more abun-
dantly in water, algae plays
a vital role in life on Earth,
forming the very foundation
of the food chain and produc-
ing more than 50 percent of
the atmosphere’s oxygen.
Loosely defined as simple
plants, most algae contain
chlorophyll and use photo-
synthesis to create the energy
they need for growth. Highly
aquatic, they thrive equally
in freshwater lakes, saltwa-
ter oceans or brackish bays,
enduring a range of tem-
peratures and acidities, from
polar ice floes to mineral-lad-
en hot springs.
Here in the Colum-
bia-Pacific region, where
water seems ubiquitous and
daylight hours are lengthen-
ing, multiple species of algae
are flourishing, showing off
a seasonal vigor that will
last through the summer and
into early autumn, when the
sunlight wanes. Until then,
look for them in local ponds
and lakes, along slow-mov-
ing stream beds, and in bird
baths, rain barrels and water-
ing troughs.
Some algae don’t require
pools of water in order to
grow; any moist, out-of-the-
way spot will do, including
roof tops, wet walls and the
shady parts of decks and
walkways. Though most
live independently or in
same-species colonies, some
algae form symbiotic rela-
tionships with other organ-
isms. Lichens, reef-forming
corals and marine sponges,
are all examples of the mutu-
ally beneficial union that can
occur between algae and a
willing host.
When waterways become
polluted or otherwise out of
balance, toxic “blooms” of
algae can occur, setting off a
negative chain reaction that
can be catastrophic to mul-
tiple species of animals and
plant life, including humans.
But the planetary advantages
of algae far outweigh the
risks: Currently, algae are
being cultivated simultane-
ously for use as a superfood,
a highly efficient biofuel and
as the primary element in
biodegradable plastics. They
cleanse the air of carbon
dioxide, remove heavy
metals from water, aid in the
decontamination of sewage
and help clean up oil spills.
Perhaps most impor-
tantly, algae, in the form
of carrageenan, is a key
ingredient in most chocolate
candy bars.
Beach Books
honors
Independent
Bookstore Day
PHOTO BY LYNETTE MCADAMS
Our frequently damp coastline is the perfect environment for
algae to thrive. Here, green algae grows on the lee side of a
chicken coop in Ocean Park, Washington.
SEASIDE — To celebrate
Independent Bookstore Day
on Saturday, April 29, Sea-
side’s Beach Books will host
author Karen Karbo, who
will discuss her powerful
women’s books from 10
a.m. to noon.
Seaside Library Direc-
tor Esther Moberg will
hold a children’s reading
at 2 p.m.
The fun lasts all day.
Treats and exclusive day-of
merchandise, created just for
Independent Bookstore Day,
will be available.
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