Harmful algal bloom impacts

Toxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose significant threats to human and aquatic health. Where dependence on small-scale fisheries is highest, HABs could exacerbate already existing health and livelihood vulnerabilities. This project examines the ecological dynamics and human impacts of HABs in Lake Victoria, Kenya. We are combining continuous monitoring of water quality, fish sampling, and fisher interviews to examine the vulnerability of the lake’s resource users to HABs. Choice experiments on fish consumption will further provide insights on important health-livelihood trade-offs.