Dead Fish Collect along San Francisco Bay amid Algae Bloom

Washington –  Thousands of fish are dying and washing ashore around Oakland’s Lake Merritt and other parts of the San Francisco Bay, U.S. media reported on Monday.

According to environmental groups, the algae bloom is to blame.

The Bay’s water has since turned brownish-red in color.

The SF Baykeeper NGO believes that decomposition of the algae can “deplete oxygen in shallow areas, which can result in injury to or death of fish or other wildlife.”

The algae type isn’t known to be severely toxic to humans, but can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.

The group has cautioned people (and their pets) from “recreating” in the Bay or eating fish, especially shellfish, that’s been caught in the area “until the algal bloom dissipates.”