Harmful Algal Blooms Research, Prevention and Identification
Over the last decade, harmful algal blooms, or HABs, have been on the rise in eastern North Carolina, endangering human health, the environment and local economies. The effects of climate change, along with nutrient pollution, are creating favorable conditions for these algae, which produce toxins that can:
- Cause adverse health effects in wildlife, pets and humans;
- Negatively impact nature tourism and recreation;
- Raise water treatment costs; and
- Lead to fisheries losses and decreased property values.
Regional stakeholders are working to identify solutions to these algal blooms.
Report and Track Algal Blooms
Albemarle Algal Blooms Summit
What are harmful algal blooms?
Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water. Algae are aquatic vegetation typically found in freshwater and marine environments. These plants are vital to the food chain and produce oxygen to keep bodies of water healthy. However, under certain conditions, algae can multiply to high concentrations that create dangerous toxins.
With the Albemarle region becoming increasingly vulnerable to HABs, researchers, community organizations, public officials and citizens need to collaborate to better understand the causes of the algal blooms and determine next steps for management. To address regional climate change risks, the Albemarle Commission worked with NCORR’s RISE Program to develop a portfolio of projects that advance regional resilience. Included in this portfolio was an initiative to establish a collaborative outreach effort to tackle HABs.
As a first step in implementing the HABs outreach collaboration, state and regional organizations hosted the Albemarle Algal Blooms Summit in November 2023. The Summit brought together researchers, government agencies, local officials and environmental nonprofits to discuss community concerns, research, management and engagement around HABs in the Albemarle region. The presentations and breakout discussions focused on better understanding HABs as a climate hazard and developing a collaborative approach to manage and address the issue.
Following the event, the supporting agencies including the Albemarle Commission and Albemarle Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) will work together to summarize the next steps. The two organizations will regularly communicate on progress on action items.
The Summit was organized by NCORR in collaboration with the NC Sea Grant; Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership; Albemarle Commission; Albemarle RC&D; Albemarle Regional Health Services; Chowan Edenton Environmental Group; Green Saves Green; and the Carolinas Collaborative on Climate, Health, and Equity (a NOAA Climate Adaptation Partnership).
- Albemarle Algal Blooms Summit Introduction
- Community Perspectives Panel: How is the Community Being Impacted by Algal Blooms?
- State Perspectives Panel: How is the State Working to Respond to Algal Blooms?
Where is the Albemarle region?
The Albemarle region covers Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington counties. This 10-county region includes the Outer and Inner Banks, the inland coastal area surrounding the Albemarle Sound and the rivers flowing through the northeastern portion of the state.
Helpful Resources
If you would like to recommend additional resources to be included above, please send an email to: resilience@ncdps.gov.