09/23/2026
Take a moment to read about efforts by APNEP in collaboration with the Albemarle Commission, NC State Climate and Sustainability Academy and the State Resilience Office to assist northeastern communities address harmful algal bloom challenges.
Regional partners launch Harmful Algal Bloom Planning Cohort in Albemarle region
Press release: https://conta.cc/4dQQDyi
ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina — The Albemarle Commission and regional partners launched a pilot Harmful Algal Bloom Planning Cohort on Sept. 10, 2026, aimed at helping local governments better prepare for and respond to harmful algal blooms and related water-quality challenges.
The cohort was introduced during a kickoff event at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City. The event also served as the kickoff for the Albemarle Stormwater Working Group, a separate initiative in which the Albemarle Commission is participating.
Water quality is closely tied to the region’s quality of life and economy, supporting recreation, tourism, fisheries and the communities that depend on the Albemarle-Pamlico watershed. Harmful algal blooms, commonly known as HABs, can threaten those resources, making proactive planning and regional coordination increasingly important.
Through the virtual HAB Planning Cohort, participants will work with state agencies, researchers and peers on HAB science, response actions and long-term water-quality strategies. The program will help communities examine their local history of algal blooms, existing plans and programs, and their capacity to respond when a bloom is suspected or confirmed. Participants will also explore seasonal and annual actions, coordination, public awareness and longer-term strategies to address HABs, including efforts focused on water quality and stormwater.
Participating communities will use the NC Local Government Action Toolkit for Harmful Algal Blooms, including a HAB Response Strategy Template, to develop locally tailored response plans. The program will conclude with a focus on evaluation and implementation, with optional monthly support meetings continuing afterward.
“Water is one of our region’s greatest assets, and protecting water quality is important to our communities, our economy, and our quality of life,” said David Whitmer, executive director of the Albemarle Commission. “Harmful algal blooms are a growing concern, and many of our smaller communities simply don’t have the staff or resources to tackle issues like this on their own. This effort brings local governments, state agencies, and technical experts together so we can better understand the challenges we’re facing and develop practical solutions that make sense for our region.”
The Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership is supporting the effort in collaboration with the Albemarle Commission, NC State Climate and Sustainability Academy and the State Resilience Office.
“APNEP is pleased to partner with NC State Climate and Sustainability Academy, the State Resilience Office, and the Albemarle Commission to provide technical services that assist northeastern communities address stormwater, water quality, and harmful algal bloom challenges,” said Dr. Bill Crowell, APNEP director. “Through this collaboration, we are proud to support the HAB Toolkit, the Planning Cohort, and the Stormwater Working Group. By providing resources and funding, APNEP directly advances our 2025 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan and drives the implementation of the statewide NC Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Plan. Ultimately, this work strengthens local and regional resilience programs across the state, including Regions Innovating for a Strong Economy and Environment (RISE) and the Resilient Coastal Communities Program (RCPP).”
NC State University’s Climate and Sustainability Academy, or CaSA, is supporting the cohort as part of its work to bring together scientists, decision- and policy-makers and community members to address climate-driven challenges.
“Harmful algal blooms threaten the health of our waters, our ecosystems, and our coastal communities, and addressing them requires the kind of collaborative problem-solving that CaSA exists to amplify,” said Erin Seekamp, Ph.D., executive director of the NC State Climate and Sustainability Academy. “By supporting this cohort, we advance our commitment to building resilient futures, empowering partners with knowledge and tools, and driving meaningful change for people, places, and the planet.”
Participants in the HAB Planning Cohort will take part in structured program activities, including approximately one to two virtual meetings per month, along with additional applied work completed asynchronously.
Those interested in participating can contact Rebecca Ward at [email protected] or complete the HAB Planning Cohort Interest Form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflmYIyAd0t1UiBANItzYT8WbRmFwMa1AaascTkn3aE5IOLqQ/viewform.
Stormwater Working Group launches
The Sept. 10 event also marked the kickoff of the Albemarle Stormwater Working Group, a separate virtual learning network that will meet monthly and provide local government staff working on drainage, stormwater and water quality an opportunity to share challenges, access technical resources and identify potential solutions.
“Our goal is to give local government staff working on drainage, stormwater, and water quality access to the resources they need to troubleshoot issues, identify solutions, and move projects and policies toward implementation,” said Gian Tavares, director of the State Resilience Office.
The Albemarle Commission will participate in the working group as part of its ongoing efforts to support its member governments and regional collaboration.
The Albemarle Stormwater Working Group’s first virtual meeting will be held Nov. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Those with questions or who would like to join the working group may contact Nicole Goddard at [email protected] or Holly B. White at [email protected].
About the Albemarle Commission
The Albemarle Commission serves as the regional council of governments for northeastern North Carolina, providing planning, workforce development, aging, transportation, and community and economic development services to local governments and residents throughout the region.
