"The Nation's resource for understanding Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
and Marine Biotoxins in the Pacific..."

NOAA and NMFS are concerned about the impacts that HABs and marine biotoxins have on fisheries, public health, and the ecosystem. The goal of our HAB program is to gain a better understanding of the production, presence, and persistence of algal toxins in marine foodwebs and fisheries. This information is necessary for the production of safe seafoods and for the effective management of our living marine resources.

Our efforts are concentrated on HABs and marine biotoxins in the Eastern Pacific, an area that stretches geographically from the North Pole (Alaska) to south of the equator (Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam). This region has some of the highest levels of extremely potent biotoxins in the world and is the site of recent HAB incidents that have proven fatal to both humans and marine mammals.

In order to meet the challenge of monitoring thousands of miles of coastline, the NWFSC HAB program has developed working partnerships with coastal tribes, universities, the shellfish industry, state agencies, and private companies, as well as other NOAA agencies, such as the National Ocean Service (NOS) National Center for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS).

To learn more about HABs and biotoxins please visit our HAB Program website.