May 23, 2024 | 10:30AM - 12:30PM | PST | Online

Harmful Algal Blooms and Food Security across the Northeast Pacific

Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that make up the base of marine food webs. Certain conditions, like changes in temperature, wind, salinity and stratification, or influxes of nutrients, can result in phytoplankton blooms. While these blooms generally benefit the ecosystem, jumpstarting the marine ecosystem every spring, in other cases certain species of blooming phytoplankton can produce harmful toxins, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), that can have negative effects on humans, other mammals, fish, shellfish, or birds. One particular risk, of concern for many coastal communities, is the exposure to marine toxins from HABs through shellfish consumption, causing potentially life-threatening impacts. Monitoring and testing of phytoplankton communities and levels of toxins in seafood can improve awareness and mitigate potentially life-threatening risks. A variety of organizations across the Northeast Pacific are working to improve their understanding of HAB events, address limited data availability, and support biotoxin monitoring to enhance coastal food security.

Webinar Objectives:

Knowledge sharing on Harmful Algal Blooms initiatives in the Northeast Pacific
Build a shared understanding of HAB impacts and monitoring efforts in the NEP
Strengthen connections across the NEP between individuals and organizations working with HABs
Share priorities and interests related to HABs in the NEP.

Webinar date: