# C2H2 EAGER: Harmful Algal Blooms in Greenland Waters: Impacts on Human Health in Ilulissat/Disko Bay

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Colorado at Boulder (CO) · $299,999

## Abstract

Arctic regions are experiencing warming air, rising ocean temperatures, and reduced sea ice cover. This increases the occurrence of harmful algal blooms in northern latitudes. These blooms consist of high concentrations of toxic algae in coastal marine waters that poison marine life and pose significant threats to human health. The toxins can cause stomach pain, headache, and rashes as well as more serious problems like liver damage, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and death. Knowledge of the impact of harmful algal blooms on Arctic populations and marine ecosystems is limited. Once relatively immune to such blooms, Arctic coastal waters are becoming increasingly susceptible to their presence. This research undertakes exploratory research to investigate impacts of harmful algal blooms on Arctic peoples and marine ecosystems. Western Greenland was chosen for the pilot due to its seasonal sea ice cover and the calving of ice bergs from continental glaciers, both of which can host toxic algae. Here local populations subsist primarily on marine mammals and sea life (i.e., seals, whales, fish, and shellfish), all of which, under the right environmental conditions, can contain algal bloom toxins. The project team is composed of scientists who are experts in Arctic environmental science, social scientists, and medical professionals who are well acquainted with Greenland health issues and the associated data. It also includes significant interaction with the local communities to learn

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2534185
- **Awardee organization:** University of Colorado at Boulder (CO)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** SPVKK1RC2MZ3
- **PI:** Astrid E Ogilvie
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Climate and Human Health, EAGER
- **Estimated total:** $299,999
- **Funds obligated:** $299,999
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2534185

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2534185, C2H2 EAGER: Harmful Algal Blooms in Greenland Waters: Impacts on Human Health in Ilulissat/Disko Bay. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2534185. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*