Michigan Sea Grant convenes a broad coalition of Michigan partners to create resources about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) for Great Lakes and inland lake residents. Based on the need for continuing basic HABs awareness and education for Michigan lake residents, as identified by the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health in 2021, Michigan Sea Grant started hosting Michigan “HABs chats” with representatives from state environmental, health, and agriculture agencies as well as researchers, natural resource managers, and local representatives. Outcomes of these collaborations include an annual webinar series in its third year with nearly 500 total attendees learning about topics such as nutrient budgets, HABs management for small lakes, the value of algae, and septic systems and impacts. Other resulting resources include a hyper-local educational card about the specific types of algae occurring in a local lake, a series of shareable “HABs facts” social media graphics, and an on-going article series on prevention and management topics such as HABs reporting, HABs and agriculture, and beneficial green algae. Webinar participants have indicated an increase in HAB knowledge, sharing information with neighbors, and an intent to take actions to reduce nutrient runoff. Written materials have also received positive feedback from partners and the public.
