A regional network for harmful algal blooms (HABs) monitoring in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2019–2023

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a global threat to aquatic ecosystems, public health, and economies. Supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 2009, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries have formed a regional early warning network for HABs and biotoxins in seafood. This collaborative initiative took shape through the IAEA´s ARCAL RLA 7025/28/6 projects, whose goal is to strengthen regional capacities for the detection, monitoring, and management of HABs. As part of this effort, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, Uruguay, and Venezuela jointly compiled and shared national monitoring results between 2019 and 2023.The IAEA´s support is driven by growing awareness of toxic species, the geographical spread of known species, the emergence of new toxins in the region, and the increasing duration and impact of HABs events. The aim of the network is to improve the understanding, prediction, and management of HABs through information sharing, training and research. Technical capacities have been developed at the regional level to identify toxic species, evaluate biota toxicity, and conduct retrospective analysis of HABs occurrence. All countries in the network have reported the presence of planktonic and benthic toxic species, and in selected cases, these have been associated with toxins found in biota. Eutrophication and climate change are increasingly recognized as synergistic stressors that pose significant risks to coastal resources and public health. These activities contribute to strengthened regional capacities for HABs management, enhancing observation systems, and improving public health protection.