Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are the result of a rapid increase or accumulation of cyanobacteria in a water body. Cyanobacteria, sometimes known as blue-green algae, can cause blooms in water bodies when nutrients, sunlight, pH, salinity, temperatures, and other environmental factors are optimum for their growth. Some types of cyanobacteria can produce cyanotoxins which can harm the liver or nervous system of humans and animals when exposed to or ingested. In the past, some animals which have consumed water or algae mats with harmful toxins have died.