Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can kill fish, marine mammals, and birds. They can contaminate shellfish with toxins, and harm human health, sometimes resulting in fatalities. They are proven to have a negative impact on coastal lifestyles including tourism. In fact, it has been estimated that toxic algal blooms, like “red tide” cost coastal communities over $80 million every year. These problems are getting worse, as the incidence, duration, and severity of HAB events are on the rise.
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