Georgia Coastal Health District

Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)

Red Tide

Algae are plant-like organisms that live in freshwater and saltwater. Like plants, algae are essential elements of their water environments.

When water conditions are just right, sometimes algae will grow rapidly creating an algal bloom. Some types of algae create toxins, and in large quantities, these toxins can cause serious problems for people, animals, and the local environment.

Blue-Green Algae

An algal bloom becomes harmful if: 

• the type of algae produces toxins that can poison people, pets, and wildlife that swim in or drink the water.
• toxins from the algae are released into the air, causing irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
• people and animals become sick after eating fish or shellfish contaminated with toxins from the algal bloom.
• the algae becomes so dense and thick that the water is deprived of adequate sunlight and/or oxygen, damaging the water ecology.

You should learn how to recognize an algal bloom, and avoid the water if you suspect a bloom. Links to the following pages have information on saltwater and freshwater blooms, including how to report a suspected algal bloom, and what to do if you or a pet may have been exposed to a harmful algal bloom.