Monitoring harmful algal blooms around the Hudson Valley

Aug 3

Written By HVNY

Cary Institute to host special event as hot, humid weather can stir up dangerous waters

It’s summer, it’s hot and muggy out, and all you want to do is to find some water to dip your toes – or your kid’s or dog’s toes – into. But the problem once you find a spot: the water isn’t clear, it’s green, murky, and most importantly, it could very well make you, your kids and your pets sick.

Last summer, researchers with the Cary Institute of Ecological Studies in Millbrook encountered the largest harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the Hudson River in over 40 years. “The magnitude and extent of this cyanobacteria bloom is unprecedented, and concerning. While Microcystis is often observed in the Hudson, and sometimes produces blooms, this is by far the largest bloom we have observed,” Dr. Chris Solomon, a senior scientist and aquatic ecologist at Cary Institute said at the time. In addition to the bloom recorded off the coast of Kingston, New York State Department of Conservation confirmed additional blooms near Beacon, Hyde Park, Tivoli, and Hudson, as well as in the Wallkill River and Rondout Creek, which feed into the Hudson near Kingston.

Harmful algal blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, are common across New York State, so “if you’re seeing discolored, yucky green water with scums and blooms, this is likely a condition that could be a harmful algae bloom,” says Gena Gallinger, director of Outreach and Education for the New York State Department of Health.

According to the Cary Institute of Ecosystems in Millbrook, there are several possible causes of these harmful algal blooms in the Hudson and its tributaries: “Warmer temperatures favor cyanobacteria in several ways, and monitoring has shown that water temperatures in the Hudson have been increasing. Wastewater, agricultural runoff, and atmospheric deposition all contribute nutrients to the river that promote high algal abundance.”

Cyanobacteria become a problem when they propagate and form blooms, it’s also when they’re most visible. The blooms can float on water, form on rocks, and linger along the shoreline of ponds, streams, rivers and lakes.

If you’re heading to the water, local experts say, simply: Notice the water, and stay out of it if it doesn’t look clear. It’s also recommended to swim at regulated beaches, where water quality is monitored.

If you think you may have been exposed, the Department of Heath recommends rinsing with clean water as soon as possible, report the bloom on the statewide database to help notify others (on.ny.gov/habform), and talk with your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin, eye, or throat irritation, allergic reaction or breathing difficulties. If your pets or livestock had contact and are experiencing symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.

Special event: Harmful Algal Blooms – Everything you need to know

Following last summer’s unprecedented bloom, Cary scientists have been working with Riverkeeper to develop new monitoring methods and improve our understanding of how to predict and manage future blooms.

On Wednesday, August 5, at 7pm, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will host a hybrid event on harmful algal blooms, with a special focus on blooms in flowing waters like the Hudson River. The event will feature speakers from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the NYS Department of Health (DOH), Cary Institute, and Riverkeeper.

The event will provide an overview of harmful algal blooms, including what they look like in flowing waterways, the potential risks posed by toxin-producing blooms, and current research underway to improve their detection and management. Participants will also learn how to report a bloom in any body of water and ways to support healthy aquatic ecosystems. The presentation will be followed by a moderated Q&A session. It is free and open to all.

Speakers will include: