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Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become an important subdiscipline within oceanography. Heightened attention to this topic as well as significant research advances reflect the global nature of the problem and the development of strong national and international programs for HAB research and management. The planning, communication, coordination, and capacity-building activities of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) have been a key factor in this growth. Here, we highlight selected advances in science and management capacity for HABs and document the impressive growth of the field in the context of activities supported directly or indirectly by IOC. As we look to the future, the field has significant momentum and stability. Nevertheless, it will require scientific guidance and coordination going forward. With an appropriate commitment of resources from member states, the IOC HAB program can continue to be a major factor in the sustained growth of this important scientific discipline and its delivery of improved observation and management systems.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a signifi­cant global environmental management challenge, especially with respect to micro­algae that produce dangerous natural toxins. Examples of HAB toxin diseases with major global health impact include: ciguatera poi­soning, paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), and neurotoxic (brevetoxin) shellfish poisoning (NSP). Such diseases affect communities globally and contribute to health inequalities within the United States and beyond. Sharing data and lessons learned about the factors deter­mining bloom occurrence and associated exposure to contaminated seafood across locations can reduce public health risks. Knowledge sharing is particularly important as ongoing global environmental changes seem to alter the intensity, location, and timing of toxic HAB events, reducing the reliability of conventional guidance where toxin risks have been endemic and leading to emerging challenges in new settings. Political changes that disrupt membership in knowledge-sharing networks may impede efforts to share scientific expertise and best practices. In this commentary, we stress the importance of community and expert knowledge sharing for reducing HAB risks, both for vulnerable communities in the United States and globally. Considering the impacts of political changes, we note the indirect engagement sometimes required for continued participation in international coordination programs. As an example, we highlight how lessons learned from a Native-led toxin monitoring and testing program (the Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research partnership) can inform programs in other settings. We also describe how in­ternational knowledge is mutually valuable for this program in Southeast Alaska. Ethn Dis.2022;32(4):285-292; doi:10.18865/ed.32.4.285