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Have you ever seen a frothy looking substance on top of our Bay's waters or even our lagoons? Imagine this, you're walking along the water and you see it: white bubbly foam floating on the water and piling up along the rocks? Maybe it's pure white, maybe it's a bit yellow. You might be thinking, is it dangerous? Is it toxic? What is making all this foam?
Today we will ask the big question: Sea foam...Is it natural or is it a sign of pollution?
What Is This Foam, Really?
What Is This Foam, Really?
Sea foam, ocean foam, or beach foam can be produced from rough waves or washed up organic matter from deep in the ocean. Just like normal foam, sea foam is tiny air bubbles trapped in water.
Sea foam forms when the water gets agitated (or really angry!). This can happen because of constant sea spray (when water crashes onto shores and rocks) or it can be caused by big winds and waves. Heavy, stormy weather is the cause for most sea foam. You can see these types of foam near rocky cliffs or anywhere that is known to have angry weather.
Natural Foam From Deep in the Ocean
Natural Foam From Deep in the Ocean
Another way sea foam can be made naturally is when seaweeds, plankton, and other washed-up organic matter decays (dies). Sometimes this foam can also be made from dissolved fats, salts, and algae blooms. In fact, dead algae blooms are the biggest factor of making sea foam. You can see these types of foams when it is during algae bloom season (around Summertime for most places) and areas with a lot of marine animals. This dead matter can be churned up by waves, tides, and storms (just like how we make bubbles!).
You can tell if it's natural foam is it has an earthy smell, and off-white or tan color, and it disappears and clumps quickly. You can also see if it can be found in natural areas like around clifs or around algae and seaweed.
While sea foam isn't always dangerous, it can become harmful to humans when it is caused by pollution. It can also be a sign to watch out for algae blooms nearby as they are toxic.
When Might It Be Pollution?
When Might It Be Pollution?
As stated earlier, sometimes sea foam can be caused by human-made substances. This includes, detergents, soap, oil, and other chemicals from run-off, storm drains, and boats. This bad foam can smell bad, be really white in color, and don't fade away as quick.
To spot these bad foam signs, you must be observant! If you see some odd sea foam arround, take a minute and think...
Where is this foam? What does it smell like? What is nearby? Has there been a repoted algae bloom near you? What is the color, and do you know what it smells like? And, if you are ever in doubt, ask a grown-up...or a naturalist at Crab Cove!
What Can We Do to Help?
What Can We Do to Help?
While not all foam is harmful and usually comes from nature, it can be very important to look out for. Since toxic sea foam can be very harmful for animals and humans alike, it is very important to remind your parents, or yourself not to dump anything down storm drains. Make sure to try and use less soap and artificial fertilizers or sprays near drains at home. Make sure to clean up after yourself and pick up waste so it doesn't become runoff when the next downpour comes! If you see any unusually looking foam or spills near your area, or if you see anything unusual happening with the sea animals, make sure to report it to local environmental services!
While not all sea foam is bad, we must remember that it is a sign of how the Bay is doing. If we learn to listen, we can help keep it healthy for everyone.
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