As a Citizen Scientist, you can help us monitor algae blooms. Just snap a picture of the discolored water and answer a few simple questions.

Background: Did you know that algae, tiny microscopic plants, are an extremely important and often underestimated component of life on Earth? It has been estimated that algae produce 70-80% of the world’s oxygen and over 70,000 species of freshwater and marine microalgae have been identified. These microscopic algae form the base of the food chain for hundreds of commercial fisheries worldwide and therefore play an important role in the regional food supply, culture and economy. However, a few types of microalgae are capable of producing toxins or other undesirable effects to fish and shellfish. Environmental conditions can lead to rapid proliferation of these species, leading to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). These HAB's sometimes produce discolored water which helps to identify the areas affected and conduct testing. If you think you have encountered a problematic bloom contact your local board of health or health department, and alert them to what you have observed, along with the name and location of the waterbody. Your local board of health may contact Massachusetts Department of Public Health or the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) depending on the type of waterbody.

For more information: https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water#-who-should-i-contact-if-i-see-a-potential-cyanohab?- less ↑