Respected Lawmakers,

We are the Geared-Up Gorillas, a First Lego League team from Westford, Massachusetts. As part of our innovation project for this season’s topic, we researched the problems faced by ocean explorers. We discovered that all of us can contribute to help ocean explorers, the oceans, and in turn, help ourselves. 

The topic we researched is algal blooms. Algal blooms are the overaccumulation or overgrowth of algae in one location. 

There are a lot of negative impacts of algal blooms:

Deoxygenation kills beauty of marine life
Toxins in seafood cause food poisoning 
Release harmful gasses
They get clogged in submarine engines, and cause accessibility issues for scuba diving and visibility issues for ocean photographers
For example, red tides in Florida produce toxins that lead to itchy skin and burning eyes. Additionally, too much algae will kill marine life. Also, if a pet goes into a pond or lake with excessive algae, it is likely that it will get severely injured or even die.

We found out that nutrient runoff is one of the main reasons causing algal blooms. This is when water with nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, seeps into the ground or flows into water bodies. These nutrients cause algal blooms, as all water bodies are connected. Fertilizers, pesticides, and cleaning detergents can all contain phosphorus – and a staggering 85% of algal blooms are caused by phosphorus. 

We implore you to restrict the sale of phosphorus and nitrogen products. Only 11 states in the United States have restrictions on the sale of fertilizers with phosphorus, and this does not include Massachusetts. We want all states to have this restriction.

By restricting the sale of fertilizers with phosphorus, we can reduce the problem of algal blooms. This will also save money that scientists and conservationists use for chemical treatment of algal blooms and will help make the ocean a better place for everyone.

Sincerely,

The Geared-Up Gorillas

Aadi, Anay, Anik, Prachet, Shaurya, Svanik 

Sources

What is a harmful algal bloom? | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences: Algal Blooms

STATE LAWS BANNING PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER USE (ct.gov)

Harmful Algal Blooms: Contributing Factors and Impacts | Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness | CDC

HABs - Northeast HAB (whoi.edu)

Harmful Algal Blooms - NCCOS Coastal Science Website (noaa.gov)

The High Cost of Algae Blooms in U.S. Waters | EWG

Nutrient Pollution | US EPA