Staff Report

A panel of experts will discuss last year’s harmful algal bloom, how the blooms impact everything from seabirds, to marine mammals and human health — and what to expect in 2026. 


The Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network is hosting the event 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 28, at the UAA Kachemak Bay Campus. Panelists include:


Brie Drummond, Wildlife Biologist, Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Deborah Tobin, Professor of Biology, UAA Kachemak Bay Campus
Emily Sears, Public Health Nurse, State of Alaska Department of Health
Kim Schuster, Phytoplankton Monitoring Program Lead, Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Thomas Farrugia, Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network Coordinator, Alaska Ocean Observing System

Harmful algal blooms are caused by microscopic plant-like organisms in the water that can expand rapidly in some conditions. In Alaska the most destructive are Alexandrium, which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning, and Psuedo-nitzschia, which produces a toxin known as domoic acid. Both can be deadly to people and marine mammals. 

People who attend the presentation will also get the chance to talk about how their communities have been impacted and question the experts about the blooms. 

At 4:30 p.m., immediately before the algal bloom panel, Semester by the Bay students will present a
“Sea Otter Showcase.” In an informal poster session, students will present findings of their investigations of the Kachemak Bay sea otter population.