The HABS and HAB nots: Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Oregon

While largely beneficial to the planet, a number of phytoplankton species can produce toxins that accumulate in organisms harvested for human consumption. In this presentation, I will cover the scope of harmful algal blooms in Oregon and discuss how environmental factors trigger these blooms. I’ll also cover some aspects of overall phytoplankton diversity in our region to give a flavor of the profound ecosystem services these organisms provide.