POTENTIALLY HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS REPORTED ACROSS NC

HOW WE ARE HELPING

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has developed an Algal Bloom Portal Map showing reported blooms across the state of North Carolina. The Cape Fear River Partnership is aiding in the development of identification, reporting and sampling of potentially Harmful Algal Blooms (pHABS).

HOW YOU CAN HELP

While most species of algae are not harmful, pHABS have the capacity to produce toxins that affect both animal and human health, as well as reduce the oxygen available to fish and other aquatic animals (resulting in fish kills). If you see what looks like a pHAB or a fish kill, please report it here.

Microcystis in Coastal North Carolina Rivers

Microcystis is a type of freshwater bacteria commonly found in specific types of harmful algae blooms, and is known to release toxins into the water which can be dangerous to aquatic ecosystems, animals and humans. This bacteria tends to float near the surface of nutrient-rich and low-salinity waters.

HOW WE’RE HELPING

The Cape Fear River Partnership, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, UNCW, and Cape Fear River Watch have teamed up to provide a risk assessment for Microcystis blooms on five NC rivers, and are currently in progress.

Find more information on Microcystis here.