Glossary:Harmful algae bloom

harmful algae bloom (HAB)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are the rapid growth of algae that can cause harm to animals, people, or the local ecology. A HAB can look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of water and can be different colors. HABs can produce toxins that have caused a variety of illnesses in people and animals. HABs can occur in warm fresh, marine, or brackish waters with abundant nutrients and are becoming more frequent with climate change.

Word Class: noun

Example: Harmful algae blooms are caused by organisms called phytoplankton, some of which can produce toxins