By greg.williams , 2 June 2025

References

  • Anderson, D.M., Fensin, E., Gobler, C.J., Hoeglund, A.E., Hubbard, K.A., Kulis, D.M., Landsberg, J.H., Lefebvre, K.A., Provoost, P., Richlen, M.L., Smith, J.L., Solow, A.R., Trainer, V.L., 2021. Marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the United States: History, current status and future trends. Harmful Algae 102, 101975.

By greg.williams , 29 May 2025

Disruption of cultural and spiritual practices

Disruption of cultural and spiritual practices and loss of community identity and social interactions tied to coastal resource use:

West Coast fishing communities have deep cultural ties to shellfish fisheries. Shellfish are interwoven with community traditions, including holiday rituals, celebrations, and gift-giving. The inability to participate in traditions due to HABs disrupts many of these socio cultural institutions and threatens the identity of communities (Ritzman et al., 2018; Moore et al., 2020). 

By greg.williams , 29 May 2025

Food Insecurity

Food insecurity stemming from economic losses and from loss of subsistence harvest activities:

By greg.williams , 29 May 2025

Economic Losses

Economic losses associated with reduced commercial fish harvests and reduced tourism due to curtailed recreational fishing opportunities:

Harmful Algal Blooms - U.S. West Coast Impacts and Implications (WORK IN PROGRESS - DRAFT REVIEW VERSION)

What are harmful algal blooms (HABs), and who do they harm? 

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when certain algae grow to levels that cause toxic or harmful effects on people, animals, and the environment. HABs are a recurring concern along the U.S. West Coast, particularly HABs caused by some species of the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia that produce the toxin domoic acid (Anderson et al., 2021).