Sensors for Monitoring Harmful Algae, Cyanobacteria and Their Toxins

16 3) Improved microfluidics are under development 4) Hyperspectral capabilities are being used to assess spatial distributions of cells. 5) Methodology development for detecting both intra- and extracellular toxins, with an understanding of what exactly is being measured and how those constituents contribute to the total toxin profile. Breakout Session C – What are the shared challenges across marine and freshwater ecosystems? Are there agency/organization barriers to collaboration across the marine-freshwater continuum? What are some approaches for integration of data streams? What are the regional complexities for bridging knowledge gaps? 1) Standardized data presentations are needed for all end-users – stakeholders need streamlined, uncomplicated data outputs in order to make management decisions. Successful examples of this include bulletins (e.g. Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin). a. Data products should be fit for purpose and not designed as ‘pie-in-the-sky’. This further emphasizes the need to engage end-users of proposed technology data products early in the development cycle, especially for data product presentation. 2) Web application designs need to be developed in a manner such that end users find them both useful and easy to navigate (e.g. IFCB website at TAMU; toast.tamu.edu ). 3) The role of IOOS is important for working in both ecosystems, especially with regards to supporting operational deployments. Those efforts can then be transitioned to NCCOS. 4) Increased development of a consortium of agencies dedicated to regional issues (e.g. Cyano Assessment Network) is favorable to ensuring communication and resource management across state lines. For example, the Chesapeake Bay watershed spans parts of six states and encompasses numerous freshwater systems that mix with oceanic water to form the bay estuary. As for the regions efforts at mitigating nutrient loading, a broad network of agencies is needed to understand the impacts of HAB events from both freshwater and marine species in order to ensure the safety of drinking water as well as seafood. 5) Both areas would benefit from more promotion of community engagement (e.g. Aqua- Hack Challenges). Involving the general public in local/regional HAB issues through educational activities can garner support and the realization of needed funding to protect health, and recreational use of coastal and freshwaters. 6) There is a need to bridge gaps in understanding and technologies for the marine/freshwater interface. While similar technologies can be used in both environments, the freshwater links directly to human health mean that protocols often come online faster. Further, the complexity of blooms in marine environments complicates the application of technology and SOPs.