Plenary: Evolution of Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring in New York State; a 20-Year Retrospective

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing in their occurrence in New York. HAB monitoring within the state has transitioned from a purely academic research project (2002-2008), to partnership with state agencies and its incorporation in the Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program (2011-present), to the establishment of multiple community-based HAB monitoring programs in the Finger Lakes following the widespread blooms of 2017. Early efforts focused on techniques to detect microcystins in lakes. Current efforts have expanded to include the neurotoxic cyanotoxins anatoxins and the paralytic shellfish toxins, and to include more diverse habitats. Our ability to identify HAB events and their escalating numbers have outstripped our ability to pay for needed cell and toxicity testing. Positive aspects in the current approach to HAB monitoring include community involvement in the process. This engagement promotes community ownership of the issue and lead to greater acceptance of potential solutions. On the negative side, our focus on microcystin monitoring in lakes underestimates the diverse nature of cyanotoxins within the state. Microcystins are a poor surrogate for predicting the occurrence of cyanobacteria neurotoxins. Traditional in-water sampling may miss benthic sources of cyanotoxins and underestimate the threat they pose to animal and human health.