HAB Blue-Green Algae Dangerous Bloom Along Lake Shore In NYS Royalty-Free Stock Photography

Harmful algal blooms HABs are excess growth of cyanobacteria more commonly called blue-green algae that produces toxins. Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that can form dense blooms in surface waters and on rocks and shorelines. People and animals should avoid blooms because blue-green algae can cause health effects. It might be a blue-green algae bloom in surface water if you see strongly colored water, paint-like appearance, floating mats or scums. Blooms can also form on rocks, along the shoreline, and at the bottom of a waterbody. These are called benthic blooms. The warming of the lake waters in Central New York is a result of global warming.