When a body of water turns an unsettling shade of green, red, or brown, it often signals something more sinister than a mere colour change. These vivid transformations frequently herald harmful algal blooms (HABs) – excessive growths of naturally occurring algae that have become increasingly problematic worldwide. Research shows these toxic events have surged by a staggering approximately 59% between 2003 and 2020, transforming from occasional nuisances into persistent ecological threats. The Anatomy of a Bloom: Not All Algae Are Villains Algae form the foundation of aquatic food webs, producing oxygen through photosynthesis and supporting countless marine and freshwater species. … Continue reading Harmful Algal Blooms Surge 59% Since 2003 Threatening Water Safety, Fisheries and Ecosystems Globally