Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for a boost in federal funding to combat toxic algae blooms in the Finger Lakes region.

Speaking in Penn Yan on Monday, Schumer says the region has seen more harmful algae blooms (HABs) this year than anywhere else in the state. According to the majority leader, Seneca Lake reported a record-breaking 50 blooms from Aug. 24-29. Canandaigua Lake also recorded 42 blooms from Sept. 6-13 that led to the closure of two local beaches. There were also 16 blooms at Cayuga Lake and Keuka Lake saw 21, of which 11 were identified as harmful algae blooms.

Officials say these blooms threaten not only people and pets, but also an economy that depends on tourism, fishing and recreation.

Schumer wants to boost funding for a program that gives direct financial assistance to farmers looking to help prevent runoff that can cause these blooms. He also touted the reauthorizing and increased support for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in an effort to combat HABs.

“At the end of this summer tourism season, the Finger Lakes saw some of the worst toxic algae blooms in recent memory," Schumer said in a statement. "We can’t have our waterways swimming with harmful algae, hurting our local economies, closing our beaches, stopping fishing and putting community health at risk. The feds need to step up to provide additional support to make sure our beautiful Upstate lakes stay safe and algae free. That’s why I’m launching my two-pronged push to keep our waters clean."

Schumer says harmful algae blooms look like little blue-green streaks in the water. While they can be harmless, officials say they can cause respiratory illness, skin rashes, eye irritation or liver damage.