File ImageTim Bowman, USFWS
Toxic algae may be causing decline in NH loon population, researchers say
High levels of toxins found in loon chicks
Published 7:35 AM EDT Jul 12, 2016
DURHAM, N.H. —Neurotoxins caused by blue-green algae blooms, or cyanobacteria, in local lakes could be causing a reduction in New Hampshire's loon population, according to researchers at the University of New Hampshire.
The same toxin has been linked to Lou Gehrig's diseases in humans.
Researchers said they have found high levels of toxins in loon chicks. They think that it may be a result of contaminated food.
“We are examining whether this nerve toxin may be contributing to the recent disappearance of the Common Loon from certain New Hampshire lakes,"researcher Jim Haney said.
Researchers plan to gather more water quality data to determine why certain lakes have such high levels of toxic cyanobacteria.
Testing will be conducted at more than 35 lakes across the state this summer.