Advancing the understanding of Cyano-HABs in New York State

Most harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams are caused by cyanobacteria (Cyano-HABs). Under certain environmental conditions, dense concentrations (blooms) can form, which have the potential to cause aesthetic, ecological, and economic damage to afflicted waterbodies. Most importantly, Cyano-HABs can cause physical harm to people, pets, and livestock through the production of cyanotoxins.