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July 10, 2008

Subcommittee Examines the Effects of Harmful Algal Blooms on our Nation’s Coastlines

(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to discuss how Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are impacting our coastlines, oceans, Great Lakes and marine life. Subcommittee Members questioned witnesses regarding the current research on the microbial bloom ecology as well as options for prevention, control, mitigation, and management.

"Harmful algal blooms can cause a tremendous amount of damage through the production of toxins and by reducing oxygen in the water. Many of our coastal areas and the Great Lakes are experiencing the impacts of these blooms. These impacts include alteration of the ocean’s food web, human illnesses, and economic losses to coastal communities and commercial fisheries," said Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX).

Algae are photosynthetic, plant-like organisms, which are vital to marine and fresh water ecosystems. Most species of algae are not harmful. Algal blooms occur in both fresh and salt water and may discolor the water and kill fish and plants by blocking sunlight and using up available oxygen. HABs produce toxins which hurt or kill plants and animals, directly or indirectly, for example, when people become ill by eating shellfish that have been exposed to red tide.

"The research and response needs for the U.S. have grown since the last reauthorization of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act in 2004. There has been an increase in the number, frequency, and type of HABs in recent years," stated Lampson. "We need to use the advances in our understanding of these blooms to better predict their occurrence and prevent them, if possible. Fishery and beach closures are very costly events that can devastate the economies of coastal communities."

Witnesses for the hearing included:

  • Panel I:
    • Hon. Allen Boyd (D-FL), Member of Congress
    • Hon. Connie Mack (R-FL), Member of Congress
  • Panel II:
    • Dr. Robert Magnien, Director, NOAA Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research
    • Dr. Donald Anderson, Senior Scientist, Director of the Coastal Ocean Institute, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    • Mr. Dan Ayres, Coastal Shellfish Manager and Lead Biologist, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Region Six Office
    •  Dr. H. Kenneth Hudnell, Vice President and Director of Science at SolarBee Inc.

 Please visit the Committee’s website for more information.

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