University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
The Economic Impact of Hazardous Algae Blooms
Presenter Hometown
Lexington Ky
Major
RPA Natural resources
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Brian Clark
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Irving, Nathaniel J. and irving, nathaniel j., "The Economic Impact of Hazardous Algae Blooms" (2020). University Presentation Showcase Event. 11.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2020/undergraduate/11
Abstract
Hazardous algae blooms (HABs) occur when algae grow exponentially and produce high concentrations of toxins that are harmful in many ways. “Blooms can be harmful for the environment, human health and aquatic life due to the production of nocive toxins and the consequences of accumulated biomass (oxygen depletion)” (Sanseverino et al., 2016, p. 4). There are varieties of different HABs caused by different algal groups, each producing different toxins. Economic impacts of HABs can also result from public health costs due to illnesses, declines in water recreation/tourism industries, and the costs of monitoring and containment. “Many bloom episodes have significant impacts on socio-economic systems. Fish mortality, illnesses caused by the consumption of contaminated seafood and the reluctance of consumers to purchase fish during HABs episodes represent only some of the economic impacts of HABs” (Sanseverino et al., 2016, p.4). The danger and economic expense of HABs are acknowledged in communities around the world and it is important to understand the causes, effects, and overall impacts to our economy. The aim of this research is to study the economic impacts of HABs on communities and the recreation industry as a whole.
Presentation format
Poster
The Economic Impact of Hazardous Algae Blooms
Hazardous algae blooms (HABs) occur when algae grow exponentially and produce high concentrations of toxins that are harmful in many ways. “Blooms can be harmful for the environment, human health and aquatic life due to the production of nocive toxins and the consequences of accumulated biomass (oxygen depletion)” (Sanseverino et al., 2016, p. 4). There are varieties of different HABs caused by different algal groups, each producing different toxins. Economic impacts of HABs can also result from public health costs due to illnesses, declines in water recreation/tourism industries, and the costs of monitoring and containment. “Many bloom episodes have significant impacts on socio-economic systems. Fish mortality, illnesses caused by the consumption of contaminated seafood and the reluctance of consumers to purchase fish during HABs episodes represent only some of the economic impacts of HABs” (Sanseverino et al., 2016, p.4). The danger and economic expense of HABs are acknowledged in communities around the world and it is important to understand the causes, effects, and overall impacts to our economy. The aim of this research is to study the economic impacts of HABs on communities and the recreation industry as a whole.
