HAB Reports

Since 2014, SAMS has operated an online risk assessment and early warning system for harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Scottish waters. This includes weekly HAB risk bulletins for the Shetland shellfish industry and an open-access web portal providing site-specific risk indices and model-based forecasts of future bloom events. This app builds on that system by delivering updates, risk information, and alerts directly to your mobile device. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are overgrowths of certain types of phytoplankton in marine or freshwater environments. Some species produce toxins that can harm people and animals, while even non-toxic blooms can disrupt ecosystems, aquaculture operations, and coastal industries. HABs can also reduce oxygen levels in the water and increase treatment costs for water resources, creating serious economic and environmental impacts.