Algal Blooms

TY - CHAP

T1 - Algal Blooms

AU - McGowan, S.

PY - 2016

Y1 - 2016

N2 - Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments are caused by a broad range of microscopic algae and cyanobacteria. HABs are hazardous and sometimes fatal to human and animal populations, either through toxicity, or by creating ecological conditions, such as oxygen depletion, which can kill fish and other economically or ecologically important organisms. HAB hazards have increased globally over the past 40. years, because of eutrophication, translocation of exotic species via global shipping routes, climate-driven range expansions, and altered physical oceanographic conditions. Human vulnerability to HABs is greatest in communities that are nutritionally and economically reliant on fishery resources, but locally HABs also cause damage to tourist industries and have health-associated costs. Major research advances have been made in the monitoring, detection, modeling, forecast, prevention, and treatment of HABs, which have helped to mitigate health and economic risks. However, reducing HAB incidents in the future will be challenging, particularly in areas where food production and human populations (and therefore nutrient fluxes) are projected to increase. A further challenge lies in adequate communication of HAB risks and providing effective institutional structures to prepare for and respond to HAB incidents.

AB - Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments are caused by a broad range of microscopic algae and cyanobacteria. HABs are hazardous and sometimes fatal to human and animal populations, either through toxicity, or by creating ecological conditions, such as oxygen depletion, which can kill fish and other economically or ecologically important organisms. HAB hazards have increased globally over the past 40. years, because of eutrophication, translocation of exotic species via global shipping routes, climate-driven range expansions, and altered physical oceanographic conditions. Human vulnerability to HABs is greatest in communities that are nutritionally and economically reliant on fishery resources, but locally HABs also cause damage to tourist industries and have health-associated costs. Major research advances have been made in the monitoring, detection, modeling, forecast, prevention, and treatment of HABs, which have helped to mitigate health and economic risks. However, reducing HAB incidents in the future will be challenging, particularly in areas where food production and human populations (and therefore nutrient fluxes) are projected to increase. A further challenge lies in adequate communication of HAB risks and providing effective institutional structures to prepare for and respond to HAB incidents.

KW - Biotoxin

KW - Climate change

KW - Cyanobacteria

KW - Dinoflagellates

KW - Eutrophication

KW - Harmful algal blooms (HABs)

KW - Hazard mitigation

KW - PSP

U2 - 10.1016/B978-0-12-394847-2.00002-4

DO - 10.1016/B978-0-12-394847-2.00002-4

M3 - Chapter

SN - 9780123948472

SP - 5

EP - 43

BT - Biological and Environmental Hazards, Risks, and Disasters

PB - Elsevier Inc.

ER -