The increase of harmful algal blooms (HABS) is a global challenge which severely impacts our public health and economy

Montclair State University will receive $800,000 through a two-year Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program. The university will work to address increasing harmful algal blooms (HABs) in New Jersey's freshwaters, which produce cyanotoxins that threaten public health and the environment. Through education and outreach, Montclair State will help the public identify and report HABs while reducing water pollution to mitigate future occurrences. As HABs have risen in New Jersey since 2020 despite state initiatives, this funding will support efforts to continue characterizing freshwater HABs and informing the community on prevention and response strategies.

While phytoplankton plays an important role as the primary producers in a balanced ecosystem, too much of a good thing can be very harmful. New jersey has seen significant increases in HABS that produces cyanotoxins, which can be dangerous for humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Exposure to cyanotoxins can lead to harmful effects mainly on the nervous system, the liver, the kidney, and the skin. New jersey governor murphy launched an initiative in late 2019 to mitigate and prevent HABS in the state's waters, but the efforts slowed because of the pandemic and the occurrences of HABS have increased in the freshwaters of new jersey since 2020. Without mitigation, this trend is expected to continue with increasing frequency and intensity. IT is essential to educate the general public to identify HABS and take actions to reduce water pollution and future blooms. The…