The National Office serves as a “clearinghouse” for information related to national and international activities on HAB issues. One of its primary roles is to assist the HAB community in conducting an integrated, national HAB research agenda based on evaluations of current research efforts, workshop activities, and ongoing Federal and state agency efforts to prevent, control, and mitigate HABs. In addition, the National Office serves as a focal point for HAB research and information by organizing and providing for scientific community access to the latest research developments, workshop reports, research strategies, and related data and information. The primary objective of the Office is to facilitate an open exchange of scientific information and advance the state of knowledge and research efforts. The National Office coordinates the interests of, and fosters collaboration among, the many stakeholders in HAB research and mitigation, including Federal agencies, the academic research community, and regional and local resource managers.