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Harmful Algal Blooms threaten human and ecosystem health, and disrupt aquaculture and wild fisheries, tourism, and other resources in marine and freshwater systems.

What are Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)?

Marine and fresh waters teem with life, much of it microscopic and most of it beneficial and harmless. There are, however, some species of algae and cyanobacteria that cause harm, either through the production of potent toxins or through the accumulated biomass during their “blooms”. Impacts include human and wildlife illness and mortality, ecosystem disruption, and economic losses to coastal communities.

HAB Species

Learn about different toxic or harmful algal species, and the poisoning syndromes they cause

Maps

See where harmful algae are distributed in the U.S. and around the world

Impacts

Discover how harmful algal blooms impact human health and coastal economies, wildlife, ecosystems, and more

Research

Learn about the national and international research programs focused on understanding, managing, and preventing harmful algal blooms

Resources

Major programmatic and informational resources regarding harmful algal blooms, as well as fact sheets and hotlines

Response

Programs and activities focused on prediction, control, mitigation, and HAB event response

News and Announcements

U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms Releases National Science Strategy for Harmful Algal Research and Response

July 23, 2024

The U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has released a comprehensive national science strategy outlining a decade-long roadmap aimed at enhancing our understanding, monitoring, and management of HABs. “HARRNESS 2024-2034: Harmful Algal Research and Response, A National Environmental Science Strategy” defines the magnitude, scope, and diversity of the HAB problem in United States’ marine, brackish and freshwaters; addresses knowledge gaps; strengthens coordination among agencies, stakeholders, and partners; advances the development of effective research and management solutions; and builds resilience to address the broad range of HAB impacts to vulnerable communities and ecosystems in the USA.

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12th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae in Portland, ME

February 5, 2024

The 12th U.S. Symposium on Harmful Algae will be held on October 27-November 1, 2024 at Holiday Inn Portland by the Bay in Portland, Maine.This event aims to address the national environmental challenges of harmful algal blooms (HABs) across both freshwater and marine systems. Against the backdrop of Maine’s unique ecosystems, we will convene to…

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HARMFUL ALGAE NEWS No. 76 now available

February 5, 2024

HARMFUL ALGAE NEWS No. 76 now on online! Be sure to check it out HERE

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NOAA Awards $20.1M for Harmful Algal Bloom Research in FY23

November 15, 2023

NOAA has announced approximately $20.1 million in Fiscal Year 2023 funding for harmful algal bloom (HAB) and hypoxia research via the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System Office (IOOS). The portfolio includes projects that advance new methods for HAB toxin measurement in seafood to prevent human illnesses; enhance…

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ICHA 2025 in Punta Arenas, Chile

December 9, 2022

The 21st International Conference on Harmful Algae (ICHA) will be held October 19-24, 2025, in Punta Arenas, Chile.
Additional information will be posted when available! The conference website is available HERE.

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Upcoming Conferences and Events

November 29, 2022

Interested in attending upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, or other events related to HAB science? A timeline of  events of interest to the HAB community is available on the US HAB website, and updated periodically.  Please click  HERE to view the timeline & current listings, which are updated periodically. If you wish to post a meeting or event, please contact Harmful-Algae@whoi.edu. 

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Educational and job opportunities in HAB Science!

November 29, 2022

HABs-related job openings, graduate student positions, and other opportunities are available HERE. Please check back frequently as listings are updated. If you wish to post a position or opportunity here, please contact Harmful-Algae@whoi.edu.

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Proceedings of the the Workshop on the Socio-economic Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms in the United States

March 18, 2022

The proceedings document describing the Workshop on the Socio-economic Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms in the United States is now available here. The report documents the proceedings of a 2020 workshop convened by NOAA NCCOS and the U.S. National Office for HABs, and presents recommendations to advance an assessment framework and a national research agenda that will lead to comprehensive evaluations of the social and economic effects of HABs in the fresh (primarily the Great Lakes) and marine waters of the United States.

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US HAB Early Career Symposium

February 16, 2021

Thank you for attending the 10.5 US Symposium on Harmful Algae, with the conference theme Emerging Voices and Blooming Careers. This meeting was held virtually from May 25-27, 2021.  You can access the meeting website here  and the conference program here.

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“Framework for the National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network: A Workshop Report” Now Available

January 13, 2021

This framework is a production of a workshop hosted by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), with representatives from five Line Offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The report is now available here.

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