Still from an aerial video of a 2022 algal bloom in the Hudson River near Saugerties. Credit: Devin Pickering / Getty Images

In September, an unprecedented harmful algal bloom struck the Hudson River. Dense colonies of bright green microcystis — a cyanobacteria that can produce toxins dangerous to humans, pets and wildlife — have clouded the river from Beacon north to Hudson. Up and down the river, drinking water plants, rowing clubs, community swim events and scientific and advocacy organizations are scrambling to understand the bloom and deal with its consequences.

One message is clear: We must take action now to reduce the likelihood of future blooms and increase our ability to respond appropriately when they do occur.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Cyanobacteria are a natural part of the river ecosystem, but under the right conditions they can cause harmful blooms. The current bloom is far bigger than anything Cary Institute researchers have seen in nearly 40 years of monitoring the Hudson. Water analyses by Riverkeeper and others........

© Times Union