My series, Red Tide, captures the devastating impact of environmental change on marine life through a visual representation of the algal bloom in Lake Merritt, Oakland, California, on August 5, 2022. The photos, taken between August 14 and September 5, 2022, document the progression of the Heterosigma akashiwo sub-variant algae, which absorbs significant oxygen levels in the water as it feeds and grows, ultimately triggering an apocalyptic marine life die-off just two weeks later.
The experts concluded that one of the critical factors contributing to this catastrophe is the high levels of nutrients in San Francisco Bay, one of the nation's most nutrient-polluted bodies of water. This event is a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action to address the pressing issues of water pollution and preserve marine life.
