HAB/Hypoxia Events of National Significance

In January 2019, Congress passed an amendment to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (PL 115-423). A key update in this legislation includes the creation of a process for determining harmful algal bloom (HAB) and hypoxia “events of national significance.”

NOAA invites the public to provide comments that will be considered as we develop policy for HAB and hypoxia events of national significance in marine and coastal waters. A Federal Register Notice published on July 25, 2019 provides details regarding information for which the agency specifically requests input as well as related topics on which individuals or organizations may wish to comment.

Comments must be received on or before Friday, September 9, 2019.

You may submit information by any of the following methods:

  • Electronic form: Public comments can be submitted electronically using this feedback form.
  • Email: You may submit emailed feedback via email. Please indicate “HAB and hypoxia event of national significance” in the email subject line.
  • Mail: Submit all written comments to Caitlin Gould at NOAA, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, SSMC-4, #8237, 1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Please mark the outside of the envelope “HAB and hypoxia event of national significance.”

Comments must be submitted by one of the above methods to ensure that the information is received, documented, and considered by NOAA. Comments sent by any other method, or received after the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NOAA will accept anonymous comments.