Some phytoplankton are heroes for their important role as the base of the ocean and lake food webs. However, other phytoplankton can be villains due to the toxins they produce that can be harmful to humans and marine mammals. Come learn more about what causes harmful algal blooms and what scientists are doing to study them.

Presented by: Dr. Kyla Kelly, Marine Scientist, NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program and Elyse Bonner, Environmental Engineer, NOAA CoastWatch Program

Photos courtesy of Elyse Bonner (left) and Kyla Kelly (right)