Region 7 & 8: Risk Communication about Harmful Algal Blooms to Recreational Water Users

2019 Regional-State-Tribal Innovation Projects

Harmful algal blooms are a major environmental problem in all 50 states that cause severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water that produce dangerous toxins and can contaminate surface waters used for recreation and sources of drinking water. State and local organizations need better ways to inform recreational water users of potential risks. This project will use a prize competition that challenges the public to create risk communication content in partnership with several midwestern states and state organizations.  Participants (which may be organized into tiers of skill level – youth, college and professional) will submit creative solution on how to inform recreational water users of potential risks from harmful algal blooms; those with the most effective messaging will receive monetary prizes. This challenge will result in products that can be used by recreational water body managers and states.  This project will: increase two-way citizen-government engagement, engage new audiences in risk communication, improve understanding of community perceptions and concerns, and develop compelling risk communication material.