Department of Environmental Protection to Host Media Meeting on State’s Harmful Algal Bloom Response Efforts

MEDIA ADVISORY
TEAMS MEETING
11 A.M.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
 DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO HOST MEDIA MEETING ON STATE’S HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM RESPONSE EFFORTS
 
TRENTON – On Tuesday, August 11, at 11 a.m., the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will make experts available during a Microsoft Teams meeting to explain and answer questions about the state’s multi-faceted response to harmful algal blooms, a growing national and global problem exacerbated by climate change.

DEP scientists and water quality experts will: Offer hands-on assistance on the use of the new Harmful Algal Bloom Alert Index and Harmful Algal Bloom Interactive Mapping Tool; Explain how monitoring, surveillance and research are implemented; Provide the status of blooms this summer and frame the state’s situation in the context of climate change; Discuss the development of the enhanced Harmful Algal Bloom Response Strategy as directed by Governor Murphy; Update the status of state-funded local projects to mitigate and prevent future blooms.

Last fall, as a result of numerous blooms that had significant impacts to lakes and surrounding communities, Governor Murphy and the DEP launched a comprehensive strategy to protect public health. The Alert Index is a key change in the state’s response to blooms, providing more precise public guidance on suitable recreational uses of impacted waterways. The Interactive Mapping Tool significantly improves the public’s access to important information on waters impacted by blooms.
The meeting will help reporters who are both new to covering this issue and those who want to gain better insights and understanding. As this will be a visual presentation, participants are strongly encouraged to join by using the Microsoft Teams app.
Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
 
Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2020, the DEP makes New Jersey a stronger and fairer state by protecting our environment and public health. With hard work, exceptional knowledge and expertise, the DEP’s men and women have made the agency an unfailing guardian of New Jersey’s precious natural and historic resources.
The DEP was established on April 22, 1970 – America’s first official Earth Day. Today, DEP employees in dozens of programs continue to advance innovative strategies to safeguard and enhance New Jersey’s air, water and land, and the health of its residents.
 

Contact: Lawrence Hajna  (609) 984-1795 Caryn Shinske  (609) 292-2994