Surfers are seeing green in the ocean.
A green foam layering the North County Coast has been seen by ocean swimmers and surfers, reports our media partner North County Times.
But have no fear: The water isn’t dangerous, according to scientists. It’s simply fish food.
The green tint visible in the waves is caused by a bloom of phytoplankton, or microscopic marine organisms, Melissa Carter, a staff researcher with Scripps Institution of Oceanography, told North County Times.
The particular species responsible for the bloom, called tetraselmis, poses no threat to beachgoers or marine animals, she said.
"There's been no reported illness with tetraselmis," she said. "It's known as a good food source for fish and other organisms. There aren't any known toxins or irritants associated with this species."
The bloom has been around for the last month, and can be seen around Oceanside.
To find out more, read the full story at North County Times.
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