A massive algae bloom has just appeared off the coast of the resort and port city of Qingdao in Shandong Province, China. The city is to be the host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games' sailing events, but the competition is threatened by the choking plantlife. Blooms such as this have been increasing in mainland China, but usually in lakes, and often as a result of heavy pollution. Now, the city of Qingdao has mobilized as many as 20,000 volunteers and workers to clean up the algae before the games commence in August. Time is running out.