Jun 4, 2024 · A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae.

An algal bloom or algae bloom is a rapid increase or accumulation in the population of algae in fresh water or marine water systems. It is often recognized by the discoloration in the water from the algae's pigments. [1]

Jan 9, 2024 · Harmful algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria in water that can harm people, animals, or the environment. Going in or near water with a harmful algal bloom can make you and your animals sick. Stay out if water looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad.

Mar 27, 2025 · Harmful algae blooming off the coast of Southern California has poisoned scores of California sea lions and common dolphins that are stranding in large numbers on area beaches. West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network partners are reporting upwards of 100 calls a day reporting sea lions and dolphins affected by the algal toxin, domoic acid. Some animals experience seizures on the beach, or ...

Apr 27, 2016 · Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control and produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB), or excessive algae growth, sometimes called a red tide in marine environments, is an algal bloom that causes negative impacts to other organisms by production of natural algae-produced toxins, water deoxygenation, mechanical damage to other organisms, or by other means.

Mar 6, 2025 · Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when algae or cyanobacteria produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds. HABs can have adverse effects on human, animal, and ecosystem health, and cause significant economic impacts to coastal communities. Ranging from single-celled microalgae to large seaweeds, algae are photosynthetic organisms that form the ...

Apr 18, 2024 · Harmful algal blooms can hurt local ecosystems, including people, animals, and plants. Harmful algal blooms are more likely to grow in warm, slow-moving water with many nutrients. Help prevent harmful algal blooms from growing by using fertilizers properly and maintaining your septic system.

Harmful algal blooms — often referred to as HABs for short — occur when algae produce toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, birds, or other aquatic organisms.

Apr 3, 2025 · Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms.