Join Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies for a hybrid event on harmful algal blooms, with a special focus on blooms in flowing waters like the Hudson River. The event will feature speakers from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the NYS Department of Health (DOH), Cary Institute, and Riverkeeper.
Last summer, Cary researchers encountered an unprecedented harmful algal bloom in the Hudson River while conducting research on the river's food web. It was the largest bloom observed during nearly 40 years of Cary’s long-term monitoring. The bloom was identified as Microcystis, a type of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. Cary scientists are working with Riverkeeper to develop new monitoring methods and improve our understanding of how to predict and manage future blooms.
Presenters will provide an overview of harmful algal blooms, including what they look like in flowing waterways, the potential risks posed by toxin-producing blooms, and current research underway to improve their detection and management. Participants will also learn how to report a bloom in any body of water and ways to support healthy aquatic ecosystems.
The format will be a series of updates followed by a moderated Q&A session.
Speakers will include:
Brian Duffy, Chief, Division of Water Monitoring and Assessment, NYS DEC
Gena Gallinger, Director of Outreach and Education, NYS DOH
Chris Solomon, Aquatic Ecologist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Dan Shapley, Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Planning, Riverkeeper
This event will be offered in-person at Cary’s Lovejoy Auditorium in Millbrook, NY, and via live stream. Support for this lecture has been provided in part by Harney & Sons Fine Tea.
Attending in person? Join us at 6:15pm for a poster session and reception featuring high school students and educators presenting their summer research on the Hudson River and its tributaries conducted as part of Cary’s Mid-Hudson Young Environmental Scientists Program and Research Experiences for Teachers Program. Research topics include harmful algal blooms, invasive water chestnut, and the impacts of urbanization on water quality. Refreshments will be served.
