ADDRESSING TOXIC CYANOBACTERIA AT ZION THROUGH RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

Mat-forming toxigenic benthic cyanobacteria in the Virgin River is a health hazard for humans and wildlife at Zion National Park. First identified in the park in July 2020, these toxin-producing cyanobacteria form benthic mats and release cyanotoxins including anatoxin-a, cylindrospermopsin, and nodularin. When ingested, these cyanotoxins can cause humans and animals to experience symptoms which may include headaches, rashes, vomiting and death. Concurrently, visitation at Zion National has been increasing over the last few decades, with over five million visitors in 2021 alone. With the public engaging in outdoor water recreation at Zion National Park, there is concern that they may be exposed to these harmful cyanotoxins. To inform visitors of the hazard, Zion issues water quality advisories for the Virgin River through the park using a multiple lines of evidence approach. This consists consisting of a monitoring program that regularly collects water quality data and toxin concentration measurements. While the National Park Service is performing ongoing research and issuing advisories, more outreach and communication is needed to educate the public about this hazard. Translating the results of research on cyanobacteria to the public is an important priority to ensure visitor safety and conserve natural resources at Zion National Park. Some examples include educational presentations and programs, cyanobacteria identification guides, and a media kit to inform park visitors about the threat of exposure to these cyanotoxins. These tools are critical to risk management as they allow visitors to make informed decisions around recreation in the Virgin River at Zion National Park. Education and outreach efforts combined with continued research is important for understanding how the presence of these cyanotoxins in the Virgin River will impact the visitor experience in Zion National Park.