Why We Care
New Jersey has seen significant increases in cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) and related impacts. CyanoHABs sometimes produce toxins that can be harmful to human and animal health. Problems related to CyanoHABs most often occur in freshwaters such as lakes and streams but cyanobacteria can also be found in estuarine and marine waters. Monitoring and public education can be effective approaches to mitigate the impacts of CyanoHABs.

What We Are Doing
Montclair State University is implementing this Community Directed Spending project that will design and implement a mobile, environmental education program to boost environmental awareness of harmful algal blooms (HABs), water quality, and water conservation in New Jersey. Education events will give students and other community members an understanding of water quality issues in their environment and identify citizen scientists interested in volunteer HAB monitoring. This program will generate data to help New Jersey monitor water quality, phytoplankton and cyanobacteria taxa in its rivers, lakes, and estuaries and help build awareness and support for statewide initiatives to mitigate HABs.

Dr. Meiyin Wu, Professor; Director of the New Jersey Center for Water Science and Technology at Montclair State University leads this project.