How to Use This Site and Launch Your Monitoring Efforts

How to Use This Site and Launch Your Monitoring Efforts

Welcome to the Freshwater and estuarine harmful algal blooms (FHAB) Program Wiki! This guide will help you understand what this site is for, how to use it, and how to begin your own FHAB monitoring efforts.

FHAB Program Overview

FHABs have occurred in California for nearly a century, impacting waterbodies from mountain lakes to coastal estuaries and desert regions. These blooms produce toxins that threaten drinking water, wildlife, and public health, and are becoming more frequent and persistent year-round due to changing environmental conditions. The FHAB Program, developed by the State Water Boards and partners since 2016, coordinates monitoring, response, and public communication across the state. In 2019, Assembly Bill 834 formally established the program’s responsibilities, including statewide assessment, research, outreach, and reporting. The program continues to advance tools and strategies, such as satellite-based screening and standardized monitoring, to protect California’s diverse water resources and communities. Because funding and resources are limited, we rely heavily on partners to help expand HAB monitoring efforts and raise public awareness about HAB risks.

Purpose of the FHAB Program Wiki

This site serves as a supplemental resource to the State FHAB Portal. It is intended to support both new and existing monitoring partners by providing clear step by step guidance on the following topics:

• Guidance for New Monitoring Efforts:
  Helps entities understand how to get started with FHAB monitoring and select the right approach based on their resources and goals.

• Resources and Tools:
  Offers protocols, templates, and instructional materials for each type of FHAB monitoring activity.

• Staff Support Contacts:
  Lists key staff and contacts for questions, technical help, and coordination support.

• Pre-Holiday Assessment Monitoring Hub:
  Provides a one-stop shop for all paperwork, instructions, and guidance related to the statewide Pre-Holiday Assessment Monitoring Project.

Who Is This Site For

This site is intended to support a wide range of users involved in FHAB monitoring. Whether you're new to FHABs or a returning partner, this resource is here to help.

The site is especially useful for:

• New users or organizations looking to start a FHAB monitoring program and needing guidance on where to begin.

• Returning partners or staff who want to refresh their memory on protocols, procedures, and reporting tools.

• Water Board staff and collaborators who need a up to date tool to help train and support local partners and volunteers in FHAB monitoring efforts.

This wiki provides step-by-step instructions, downloadable resources, and contact points to support you at every stage of the monitoring process.

What kind of content you’ll find:

• General FAQ on HABs

• Guide for monitoring

  • Monitoring protocols for different methods including visual monitoring, field tests, rapid test monitoring, and laboratory monitoring.

  • There are instructions for many of the monitoring methods in several different forms (i.e. written, PowerPoint, videos).

  • Printable check lists, templates, and forms.

Navigation tips:

• Start on the Home Page

• If you are new to HABs all together the Glossary & FAQ will be helpful for background information and quick definitions.

• If you are new to the site and looking to start a new monitoring program, begin on the partner monitoring page.

• If you are more familiar with HAB monitoring you can use the side tabs, or tabs listed within the hamburger waffle icon as shortcuts to specific areas of interest.

• The State Harmful Algal Bloom Website has other information pertaining to HABs that are not specific to just monitoring.

This website is updated yearly or when new information is released with refreshed monitoring documents and resources. 

Monitoring 101

This is a beginner’s outline on the Statewide Guidance on HAB response. Full guidance can be found on the State HAB Portal here. The Wiki goes into depth on step 4 and 5.

A simplified step-by-step breakdown of monitoring:

1. Recognize a Potential Bloom

2. Report utilizing the Water Board Bloom Report Form

3. Collaborate with Water Board and determine appropriate monitoring method (i.e visual monitoring with signage posting, laboratory monitoring)

4. Collect Samples

   • When, where, and how to sample

   • Basic field safety tips

5. Send Samples to the Lab

   • Lab submission instructions

   • Chain of custody basics

6. Interpret Results and Take Action

   • Advisory levels

   • When to issue public warnings

7. Continue Follow Up monitoring if conditions continue

8. De-post or Remove advisory signage

Still Have Questions?

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Glossary

• Reach out to a member of our team