Science activity

Cyanobacteria are the most common plankton causing harmful algal blooms in freshwater. The variety of cyanotoxins produced by cyanobacteria can impact the nervous system, liver, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and skin of humans and other animals. In the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta), cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) have become more prevalent since the late 1990s. Even with the welldocumented occurrence of cyanoHABs in the Delta over the last 15 years, there is no consistent monitoring program in the region, making it challenging to identify management actions to mitigate their occurrence and effects.  

To fill this knowledge gap, this project focused on measuring cyanotoxins and cyanoHABs in the Delta, organizing relevant data for stakeholders, and synthesizing data about cyanoHAB extent and drivers. In addition to the generation of new data, this project developed tools to integrate existing and future data collection efforts. Synthesis of these data will help assess the status and trends of cyanoHABs in the Delta, elucidate factors contributing to bloom formation, cyanotoxin production, and transport, and ultimately better understand the effects of cyanoHABs on humans, other animals, and the ecosystem.