What the HAB is that?
An Aquaculturist’s Guide to Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms in the lower Chesapeake Bay
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Target Audience: Aquaculturists in the lower Bay.
Purpose: To provide information to local shellfish farmers about harmful algal blooms, their effects, and potential mitigation strategies. My outreach mentor, Tommy Leggett, is a local oyster and clam farmer, and he expressed interest in a quick and dirty resource for identifying whatever bloom might be hanging out over his oysters and whether he should be worried about it.
The Infographic: My primary focus points are accuracy and relevance to my target audience. In my limited space, I’ve tried to include some of the most important “fun” facts about blooms, information about common bloom-formers and their impacts, and resources growers can use to make reports and find additional information. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time or technical skills to create all of the icons myself (I made the oyster:), and I may try to replace some of those pictured with designs of my own.
Additional Work: I am in the process of communicating with industry members and representatives, scientists, and VDH for feedback. I’m also still pondering the best way to distribute this graphic. When I have a closer-to-final draft, I plan to reach out to some industry groups and ask if I can use their communication resources (e.g. newsletters, websites, etc.)