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EPA Research on Assessment and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Citation:
Rashleigh, B., E. Hilborn, N. Dugan, B. Schaeffer, AND A. Rea. EPA Research on Assessment and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Interagency Freshwater HAB Research and Development (R&D) Workshop, Narragansett, RI, May 04 - 06, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
EPA, states, and tribes need tools to predict toxic bloom occurrence, characterize bloom development, increase effectiveness of cyanotoxin monitoring techniques, and understand the impacts of shifting temperature patterns and hydrologic regimes on blooms. Research to evaluate management actions in watersheds and within source water reservoirs are needed to help prevent and mitigate HABs.
Description:
Harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency, intensity, and geographic range, posing a risk to human, pets, and livestock; impacting recreation; and causing significant ecological and economic damage. Harmful algal blooms are complex ecological processes that are affected by various conditions (i.e., physical, chemical, biological, hydrological, and meteorological) and therefore are difficult to predict. The research described here focuses on toxicity and impacts to humans and biota, mitigation of blooms and their effects in source and drinking waters and the characterization of bloom-impacted environments.