From Envirowiki

The rise of slime refers to the increase in micro-organism blooms around the world, due to modern society. The phenomena are caused by the massive increase in nutrients, especially nitrates, due to industrial agriculture and waste, as well as a reduction in predator numbers due to the fishing down the food web of modern industrial fishing. The phrase was coined by Jeremy BC Jackson^[1].

In at least one case this has led directly to severe harm to humans - In Moreton Bay, Queensland, a previously unknown form of life nicknamed "fireweed" began to spread quickly. When humans come in contact with the fireweed, they react in painful rashes and welts, and can have difficulty breathing^[1].

[edit] 1 See also

• Biodiversity

[edit] 2 References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} {{{author}}}, Red tides, jelly-fish plagues, explosions of primitive organisms. Kenneth R Weiss reports on evolution in reverse. PLUS: An illustrated guide to Ocean Currents., [[{{{publisher}}}]], [[{{{date}}}]].