July 2021 — Harmful Algal Blooms
The green film covering Delaware’s creeks, ponds, and waterways each summer is algae, microscopic marine plants that bloom across the water’s surface where sunlight is plentiful.
While most algae are harmless, some species can produce toxins that are harmful to fish, frogs, birds, marine mammals, pets, and even humans. To monitor for these potential harmful algal blooms (HABs), the University of Delaware runs a citizen science program that enables volunteers to take water samples and provide important water quality data to scientists. At the same time, Delaware Sea Grant funds research to better understand why harmful algae bloom so that we might develop ways to control these toxin-producing species.
To learn more about HABs, check out the newest episode of SeaTalk, or learn more about how to keep yourself (and your family, friends, and pets) safe by checking out the CDC’s information portal.
Notable Dates in July
This month, celebrate Plastic Free July by taking the plastic-free challenge, which provides resources and ideas to those looking to help achieve cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. To learn more about the challenge, visit PlasticFreeJuly.org.
July 1-7 — Clean Beaches Week is a seven-day celebration recognizing and embracing the importance of clean beaches. To learn more, visit CleanBeaches.com.
July 14 — National Shark and Ray Awareness Day is a good time to check out research from a DESG-funded team studying the potential impact sand and tiger sharks have on managed species in the Delaware Bay. Read more on pg. 5 of the 2021 DESG Reporter.
July 21 — In the first of DESG’s Engage and Exchange workshops in July, Green Careers: Working for a Sustainable Future, participants will learn about green careers from people in the industry and hear about the opportunities and challenges for green careers in Delaware. Click here to learn more and register for the event.
July 28 — The second of DESG’s Engage and Exchange workshop series in July, Oil Spills in the Delaware Estuary: What happens next?, will benefit anyone interested in learning more about oil transport and the potential risks to humans and the environment. Click here to learn more and register for the event.
July 29 — National Intern Day recognizes interns testing the professional waters across the country. If you’re looking for professional internship experiences in marine sciences and other related fields, take a look at DESG’s available postings on our internship page.