Show science makes study of red water in pacific r LA JOLLA CALIF red water which has appeared in the pacific ocean off points 2000 miles apart during past months has started scientists of the university of califor nias scripps institution of oceanography on a study of the iiron non the coloration is known to be caused by the presence of vast masses of marine microscopic organisms gani sms called diatoms but there still is much to be learned about the cause and nature of red water early last june dr W E allen alien of the institution found sea water blood colored and the change interfered with fishing activities near the coronado islands it was estimated that the area of red water was 25 or 30 miles long by 10 miles wide the phenomenon it was determined was caused by the same form of marine life which was responsible for wholesale destruction of inshore animal life along the southern california coast in 1901 earlier in may a similar manifestation was noted off seaside washington north of the columbia river another type of diatom was responsible for a similar coloration off i copalis cobalis beach north of grays har harbor bor oregon the previous day |