CIOSS Researchers Help to Lead West Coast Harmful Algal Blooms Summit

In support of the West Coast Governors' Agreement (WCGA) on Ocean Health, NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research convened the West Coast Regional Harmful Algal Bloom Summit in Portland, OR, February 10-12, 2009. Attendees included 80 scientists, resource managers and public health officials from California, Oregon, Washington as well as representatives from NOAA. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent a significant ecological and economic threat to coastal communities nationwide. Drs. Peter Strutton and Michelle Wood, Fellows at the Cooperative Institute for Oceanographic Satellite Studies (CIOSS) at Oregon State University, have been funded by NOAA since 2004 to improve our understanding and predictive capability for Oregon HABs. Research in this field uses satellite data to identify and track HABs, including the development of new satellite products.

Background: Algae are vitally important to marine and fresh-water ecosystems, and most species of algae are not harmful. However, HABs can occur when certain types of microscopic algae grow quickly in water, forming visible patches that may harm the health of the environment, plants, or animals. HABs can deplete the oxygen and block the sunlight that other organisms need to live, and some HAB-causing algae release toxins that are dangerous to animals and humans.

Among other key actions, the WCGA Action Plan directs the participating states to "Exchange information between experts in all three states on management tools and techniques to promote development and operation of predictive capabilities of HABs and hypoxia. Support the expansion of ocean observing system monitoring efforts amongst the three states for these purposes. Convene a HAB workshop… to reach consensus on the present state-of-knowledge and prioritize the information needed by decision makers to lessen the impacts of the HAB events on humans and critical marine resources."

Significance: This summit was the first gathering of HAB scientists and managers from the west coast states. CIOSS Fellows gave presentations on the state of current knowledge for Oregon and current forecasting capabilities; led breakout groups; served on the summit steering committee; participated in a panel discussion and generated media releases. The summit produced a white paper summarizing the state of knowledge for west coast HABs. In coming months, the steering committee will develop an action plan for the implementation of a monitoring, alert, and response network. This research supports NOAA Mission Goal 1 - Protect, Restore, and Manage the Use of Coastal and Ocean Resources through an Ecosystem Approach to Management.