TM6 | A Holistic Approach to Tackling the Rise of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Impacts Worldwide

TM6

A Holistic Approach to Tackling the Rise of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Impacts Worldwide
Convener: Clarissa Anderson | Co-convener: Luisa Mangialajo, Philipp Hess
Wed, 04 Jun, 12:45–13:45 (CEST)|Room 7
Wed, 12:45
GlobalHAB is an international programme sponsored jointly by the Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The GlobalHAB mission is to improve understanding and prediction of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems, and management and mitigation of their impacts. Over two decades, the scientific steering committee of GlobalHAB (and formerly GEOHAB) has rallied global attention around the need for rigorous inquiry into the dynamics, ecophysiology (including toxicology), and environmental drivers of HABs. These scientific advances are now poised to push the envelope on solutions for societal benefit, spawning the newly endorsed UN Decade Programme HAB-Solutions (HAB-S), which aims to provide novel and transformational science-based solutions for sustainable management and use of marine resources and ecosystem services affected by HABs in a changing world. HAB-S initiatives include 1) Preventing, controlling & mitigating HAB events (PCM), 2) Advancing HAB observing tools and technologies, 3) Making HAB data equitable and accessible, and 4) Improving HAB literacy. HAB-S will engage stakeholders to ensure region- and HAB-specific research products (e.g., early warning systems, data portals, and information products) are equitable and globally accessible to users according to FAIR and CARE data sovereignty principles. Participatory research, co-design, and co-development are recurring themes across HAB-S initiatives. This Town Hall will bring together a panel of leaders to discuss a holistic vision for tackling wicked problems forcing rapid change in the global ocean and contributing to a rise in the geographical expanse, toxicity, and ecosystem and societal impacts of HABs.