Why Does Algae Only Grow In The Ocean. Toxic algae is their food of choice, and as they eat, they release ammonia and other chemicals that poison the water around them. They need to live up there in order to get sunlight and perform photosynthesis.

This phenomenon encourages the growth of algae. Algae can release enzymes into the water that can help quickly break down carbon dioxide into bicarbonate ions. Dead zones are areas of water bodies where aquatic life cannot survive because of low oxygen levels.