### Question
How does the law define harmful algal bloom?


### Answer
Under *33 U.S.C. § 4008*, **harmful algal bloom** is defined as:

> marine and freshwater phytoplankton that proliferate to high concentrations, resulting in nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and aquatic ecosystems, coastal communities, and human health through the production of toxic compounds or other biological, chemical, and physical impacts of the algae outbreak

#### Citation:
  - *33 U.S.C. § 4008*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 53-HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL**

