Please report fish kills and algae blooms to Waterkeeper@coastalcarolinariverwatch.org
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch provides algae bloom identification and outreach response services to coastal NC.
What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?
Harmful Algae Blooms or HABs occur when there is an excessive amount of algae growth in a body of water. There are both toxic and non-toxic algal blooms. HABs can impact both ecosystem health, through fish kills and lowering dissolved oxygen levels, and public health by contaminating drinking water or causing illness. They can also take an economic toll by decreasing local water quality, subsequently impacting property values, commercial and recreational fishing, and other water-based recreational activities, which is why CCRW believes public education about HAB events is crucial.
Algal bloom images used courtesy of Colleen Karl, CEEG
Check out the following resources to learn more:
What is a Harmful Algal Bloom?
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Reporting
Coastal Carolina Riverwatch Algae Bloom Response Team (ABRT) includes the White Oak Waterkeeper and citizen scientists and researchers just like you. Many times algae blooms are reported by concerned citizens who are on the water frequently and notice changes in what they see and smell.
Once reported, the Waterkeeper will collect samples and identify any algae present in the sample. If there is a presence of harmful algae, the Waterkeeper will work with the ABRT to continue monitoring, notify fishermen and residents in the area, and create and publish outreach content about how to stay safe and prevent harmful algae blooms.
Division of Water Resources
The Division of Water Resources (DWR) within the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has its own citizen reporting forms. The reports are sent directly to regional DWR offices, and staff are alerted on possible HAB and Fish Kill events. Once reported, DWR staff will conduct site visits to confirm the report, test the water quality, and alert the local public health department if there is any concern regarding environmental health or public endangerment.
Confirmed reports are then added to the DWR HAB and Fish Kill dashboard. This is a great tool for the public to use to stay informed about the latest HAB and fish kill reports occurring in their area.
DWR HAB and Fish Kill Dashboard
Contact your regional DWR office
Identification
When identifying a HAB event, it is important to prioritize safety. DWR always says, “When in doubt, stay out!” There are three main characteristics you can point out when attempting to identify a HAB.
- Appearance
- Color
- Odor
For more information and picture examples, check out this brochure guide in HAB identification: Identifying a HAB
Outreach
Ways to volunteer
- Aerial monitoring with drones from your local waterway.
- Reporting strange odors or colors in the water.
- Creating content to notify the community about harmful algae blooms (HABs), when identified, and let folks know how they can prevent HABs.
Informational Trainings
Would you like to learn more about HABs, identify them, and possibly pursue local HAB-related citizen science opportunities? We invite you to attend one of our HAB training workshops. These workshops are virtual and free to all. They include guest presentations, Q&A sessions, and knowledge on all things HAB related! Check out our latest HAB training workshop recording:
Want to get involved in helping your community through citizen science and advocacy? Sign up to volunteer here and be a part of our team.
Current Information on HABs in the White Oak River Basin (Onslow/Carteret)
New River Harmful Algae Bloom in 2022 – Click here for information.
Additional Resources
Educational Materials
Detailed handout, Brochure, and Door hanger
Partners
Division of Water Resources – Algal Bloom Response