Are the white perch the reason for algal blooms?

White perch are not directly responsible for algal blooms; rather, they can be a part of the ecosystem that is affected by such blooms. Algal blooms typically result from nutrient over-enrichment, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, often from agricultural runoff and wastewater. While white perch can thrive in conditions created by algal blooms, they do not cause them. Instead, the presence of algal blooms can impact fish populations, including white perch, by reducing oxygen levels and affecting water quality.