Harmful Algae Blooms Advisory

Harmful Algae Blooms Advisory

With the summer in full swing, the Department has noted an increase in harmful algae blooms (HABs) throughout the State. These algae blooms, also known as blue-green algae, are occurrences of excessive growth, or “bloom”, of cyanobacteria, some of which can produce one or more types of potentially harmful toxins (cyanotoxins). These “blooms” can result in a thick coating or “mat” on the surface of a waterbody, often in late‐summer or early fall, and the cyanotoxins present may pose a threat to the health and safety of individuals and pets that come into contact with it.

To help raise awareness about these HABs and provide additional information for homeowners located on lake- and river-front areas, please distribute the attached HAB fact sheets to your constituencies.

If you suspect a HAB has formed on a local waterbody, please report it through the Department’s HAB reporting tool using the following link: Report a Suspected Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) (arcgis.com). 

Confirmed HABs and Alert postings can be found on DEP’s HAB Dashboard: NJDEP Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Dashboard (arcgis.com). 

Click here – HAB Fact Sheets for Municipalities