Algal blooms aren’t always harmful, but when they are, science is here to help. USGS scientists across the nation are working to understand, predict and prevent impacts from harmful algal blooms to people and wildlife.

These blooms can proliferate rapidly under the right conditions, including ample sunlight, stagnant water, and influxes of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. While not all algal blooms pose a threat, harmful algal blooms (HABs) can produce toxins that affect the health of both humans and animals. Such blooms can lead to serious water-quality issues, disrupt local economies, and pose threats to public health.

HABs can produce neurotoxins such as microcystins and anatoxins that contaminate drinking water supplies, causing illness when consumed or coming into contact with skin. Wildlife, too, is at risk; fish kills are common during severe HAB events, and birds or mammals that consume affected fish or water can also be poisoned. Understanding the triggers and spread of these blooms is therefore critical to mitigating their impact.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) draws on a range of expertise to tackle this issue, employing advanced monitoring techniques and predictive models to identify and forecast HAB occurrences. By integrating satellite imagery, aerial surveys, and in-situ water quality measurements, scientists can gather extensive data on bloom conditions across large geographic areas. This data collection helps pinpoint sources of nutrient pollution, track bloom development in real-time, and assess the effectiveness of intervention strategies.

In addition, USGS research delves into the ecological dynamics that influence HAB formation. For example, the agency studies how changing climate patterns, such as rising temperatures and altered precipitation cycles, contribute to the increasing frequency and severity of these events. Other areas of focus include investigating the roles of invasive species, nutrient loading from agricultural runoff, and the interaction of different algal species within an ecosystem.

Beyond fieldwork and data collection, USGS scientists collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to enhance public warnings and response protocols. This includes distributing automated sensor data and HAB forecasts through public platforms to alert water managers, public health officials, and communities about potential risks. Through collaborative partnerships, the agency seeks to develop comprehensive mitigation strategies that range from targeted biochemical interventions to broad watershed management practices.

The intersection of technology, research, and community engagement is key to tackling this pressing environmental issue. USGS efforts to predict and prevent HAB impacts are integral to maintaining safe water resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the well-being of communities nationwide. By illuminating the complexities of harmful algal blooms and pioneering solutions, science stands as a critical ally in safeguarding our natural resources against these unpredictable and often dangerous events.