What Are Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)?

​Harmful Algae Blooms, or HABs, occur when there is excessive growth of algae in body of water. The term “Algae” refers to a wide variety of organisms that are all capable of producing oxygen via photosynthesis [1]. Species of algae can range from single-celled microscopic organisms to dense and thick seaweed-like mats [2]. Algae can be found worldwide, in both fresh and salt water bodies and they are very resistant to temperature/pH changes. In limited quantities, Algae are a very beneficial organism to aquatic ecosystems because they are primary producers [3]. Algae are also responsible for producing nearly half of the oxygen in our atmosphere thus they are indispensable [2]. However, in excessive amounts, Algae do more harm than good as they wreaks havoc upon delicate aquatic ecosystems, harm human health, and cause massive damages to coastal, water-reliant industries.