Challenges and Recommendations in Building Inclusive Risk Communication About Harmful Algal Blooms

Abstract

With increasing environmental hazards, harms, and challenges, environmentally just outcomes require intentional and inclusive risk communication. This study looks at the challenges of and recommendations for improving communication about the risk harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose to recreators, animals, and the nonhuman environment. Risk communication about HABs must tackle scientific jargon; exposure routes; and the uncertainty and complexity in predicting event occurrence, identification, toxicity, and impacts. Methods for this study included qualitative analysis of interviews with both HABs water managers and recreators at ponds prone to HABs across southern New England, USA, supplemented with related water quality communications from the managing agencies. Results revealed communications lacking clear and consistent symbology, risk identification, recreator behavior recommendations, and effective and multilingual signs. We present a case for more inclusive risk communication to address environmental injustices, recommending the design of nuanced environmental risk communication that addresses community mental models and risk perception.

Keywords: Harmful algal blooms, inclusive risk communication, inclusive science communication, water quality perceptions