Statewide | Lower Trophic Levels
AHAB: working towards a comprehensive monitoring, research, and outreach program for harmful algal blooms in Alaska Presenter: Thomas Farrugia , farrugia@aoos.org, Alaska Ocean Observation System The rapid growth of certain species of phytoplankton can lead to harmful algal blooms (HABs), which produce negative effects such as areas of low oxygen, fish kills, or the accumulation of toxins in the water and food web. Subsistence shellfish harvesting, wildlife populations, and commercial aquaculture operations can all be impacted by the toxins produced HABs, which have become a growing concern to many stakeholders and communities in Alaska. Researchers, environmental coordinators, community members, regulators and organizations are working to better understand the factors that lead to HAB events in different regions throughout Alaska. The Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom (AHAB) network provides a statewide approach to the awareness, research, monitoring, and outreach regarding HABs with the goal of reducing the risk to humans and wildlife. Formed in 2017, the network coordinates a diverse group of coastal stakeholders and works with other networks and programs to include HABs in ecosystem-based approaches and to study multi-stressor impacts on Alaska’s socio-ecological environment. The Alaska Ocean Observing System works closely with state and federal agencies to secure funding and report on HAB-related activities and results from throughout the state. An Alaska HAB data portal is being further developed and will provide a central repository for HAB data in Alaska. While temperate and subarctic areas have a history of HAB monitoring and research, HABs and their effects have not been as prevalent in the Arctic and therefore few monitoring and research programs exist. As atmospheric and oceanic conditions change, HABs may start to form more often in the Arctic. For example, seed beds of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella – a well-known HAB-producing organism – have recently been found in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas. As water temperatures increase, and the ice-free season lengthens, HABs may become a more pressing concern in the Alaskan Arctic. It is therefore important to establish a baseline monitoring program for HABs along the Arctic coast now. This poster provides information about the AHAB network, and details how HABs and their impacts are being monitored, studied, mitigated, and communicated in Alaska. To achieve a comprehensive statewide program, AHAB network members are focusing on expanding efforts in the Arctic regions.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 153
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