You are here:
Risk communication needs for recreational use in HAB-affected waterbodies
Citation:
Canfield, Katherine, K. Mulvaney, B. Kreakie, AND H. Snook. Risk communication needs for recreational use in HAB-affected waterbodies. ROCS-Net 2022, NA, Virtual, April 04 - 06, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
Effective communication is key to appropriate risk perception and management of harmful algal blooms. This presentation provides background on existing work to date at EPA in New England related to improving communication and engagement related to harmful algal blooms in freshwater.
Description:
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are effecting New England waters, causing health risk to humans and the environment. Risk communication designed with best practices will help minimize exposure to these risks. Effective communication requires more than sharing facts. It demands awareness of context, audience, and desired outcome. Because of the extended time lag between nutrient introduction and HABs, that they are not showy or of consistent concern, it can be difficult to convey urgency of action. This presentation covers background on existing research on communicating about HABs and prompts discussion among collaborators about what is going well and could be improved in their local HABs communication