New York environmental officials announced a new statewide plan to address harmful algal blooms, outlining a five-year strategy for monitoring, research and mitigation.
The Department of Environmental Conservation said the roadmap will guide efforts to manage blooms that impact drinking water, recreation, ecosystems and local economies.
The plan includes six focus areas: monitoring and assessment, water quality standards, planning and implementation, mitigation research, permitting practices and public outreach. Officials said the framework is designed to improve understanding of bloom causes and support both short- and long-term responses.
State officials said harmful algal blooms remain a complex issue, often driven by excess nutrients such as phosphorus but capable of forming in a variety of water conditions. Blooms can develop and move quickly, creating challenges for monitoring and response.
“This new Roadmap lays out an action agenda over the next five years to address harmful algal blooms to protect our water resources, public health and local economies across the State,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said.
The roadmap builds on existing state programs, including water quality monitoring efforts and the New York Harmful Algal Bloom System, which tracks and reports bloom activity statewide.
Since 2012, the state has tracked harmful algal bloom occurrences and expanded research into contributing factors. Officials said phosphorus has been identified as a primary controllable driver, and draft guidance values for phosphorus were released in 2024 to help reduce bloom frequency.
The state has awarded more than $614 million in grants to reduce nutrient pollution and more than $14 million for research, monitoring and pilot projects related to harmful algal blooms. Additional funding opportunities are expected to open in May through the state’s Consolidated Funding Application process.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said the plan will help address growing health risks associated with blooms.
“As climate change makes our world warmer, this new roadmap will be vital in helping to protect the health of our communities, as we know Harmful Algal Blooms cause health effects to people and our pets,” McDonald said.
Officials also urged the public to recognize and report blooms, advising residents to avoid contact with discolored water or surface scum and to report suspected blooms through the state’s online system.
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