1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises

3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_4501" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4501" style="width: 540px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-4501 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Photo by scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Courtesy of FWC" width="540" height="394" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/K.-brevis-aka-red-tide-FWC-photo.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4501" class="wp-caption-text">Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O&#8217;Meara AP.</figcaption></figure>
In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the FREE <a href="https://ifas-seagrant.catalog.instructure.com/?filters%5B%5D=free">Florida Friendly Angler</a> online program!
<figure id="attachment_4493" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4493" style="width: 354px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4493 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="354" height="186" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/The-OFL-ABC-ACL-ACT-framework.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4493" class="wp-caption-text">Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management</figcaption></figure>
Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics. Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!
<figure id="attachment_4497" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4497" style="width: 407px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-4497 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="407" height="305" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Sheepshead1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4497" class="wp-caption-text">A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.</figcaption></figure>
To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “<a href="https://restoreactscienceprogram.noaa.gov/projects/red-tide-and-reef-fish-modeling">Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish</a>” project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.
<figure id="attachment_4499" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4499" style="width: 583px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4499 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="583" height="232" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Fig-2.-K.-brevis-bloom-frequency-maps-from-integration-of-water-sample-data-and-MODIS-satellite-observations.-Figure-adapted-from-Hu-et-al.-2022.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4499" class="wp-caption-text">Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).</figcaption></figure>
In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated.  The project team will refine the model&#8217;s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments. The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!
<h2></h2>
<h2>Where you can help!</h2>
<h3>Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living on the West Coast of Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?</h3>
<h3><a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">Then please consider taking this brief survey anytime you head out on the water and experience red tide.</a></h3>
The survey may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser: <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0 </a>
Information researchers are interested in includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!
<figure id="attachment_4509" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4509" style="width: 630px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4509 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="630" height="294" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Red-Tide-Survey-Screen-Grab.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4509" class="wp-caption-text">An example of a question asked on the red tide survey to better understand where fish are dying, what species and how your trip may have been affected. Click the links above to access the survey to help fisheries science!</figcaption></figure>
Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1RZnQdqIrIeOgXY">Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!</a>
<figure id="attachment_4505" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4505" style="width: 452px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-4505 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="452" height="338" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Photo-Kate-Spinner-Red-tide-Sarasota-Herald-Tribune-1.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4505" class="wp-caption-text">A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. Help us determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Resources:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Red Tide Updates:
<ul>
<li>There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide! Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  <a href="https://myfwc.com/research/about/connect/subscribe/">The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  </a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-4559 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/collierco/files/2024/06/Naples-Red-tide-status.jpg" alt="" width="378" height="184" /></a>
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li>Collier County also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. <a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">To sign up for theses updates check out this link</a><a href="https://member.everbridge.net/453003085614923/login">.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/health/fish-kills-hotline/causes/">Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida</a>&#8211; Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!</li>
<li>Monitoring: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/statewide/?redirect=redtidestatus">FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="https://visitbeaches.org/beach/49/report/41723">Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida</a>. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. </li>
<li><a href="http://ocgweb.marine.usf.edu/hab_tracking/HAB_trajectories.html">USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking</a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/">National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reporting:
<ul>
<li>Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? <a href="https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0">Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.</a></li>
<li>FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 </li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide Fact Sheets:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/12422/karenia-brevis-factsheet.pdf">Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet</a></li>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/16370/2013-ecphab-brochure_red-tides-on-the-west-florida-shelf.pdf">Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide FAQs:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/research/redtide/faq/">FWC red tide frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/science-areas/habs/hab-forecasts/gulf-of-mexico/faqs/">National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mote.org/news/florida-red-tide">Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions</a></li>
<li>Blog: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2018/08/14/frequently-asked-questions-about-the-2018-red-tide-bloom/">Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: 
<ul>
<li>Blog: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/03/29/when-red-tide-hits-is-your-seafood-safe-a-uf-expert-answers-questions/">When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Red Tide General Info: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://myfwc.com/media/21885/bloom-historic-database.pdf">Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Videos: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1er085e7M54">Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video</a> (4:32)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VRyW2C3yhg">Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video</a> (26:32)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26l5I50KbL4">Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video</a> (4:19)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Peer Reviewed Papers:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20411030/">Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v378/p171-186/">Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304380018304101?casa_token=CWsj_EO99pAAAAAA:0gpg-eCsFDqwSa6jxHokVVG0Yp6_gRJF8S93ClFyG_y2rARq-fZWlTPP4dc9Cjd5pj_HKU62TA">Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29327-z">Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1568988308001571?casa_token=zKOrbpFokv8AAAAA:dD0iAZWpEDZ1oWsNR-2S_thvqsdw-kd9-go_8ptY3scuU70LkHUuir4tK-ZqllknBQN2CixMKg">Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2020/07/14/resources-for-understanding-blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria-blooms/">Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>General resources: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/harmful-algal-blooms/faq/">University of Florida harmful algae bloom website.</a> Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs</li>
<li><a href="https://www.protectingfloridatogether.gov/education-center">Protecting Florida Together</a>; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;">				<iframe loading="lazy" title="Swimming Karenia brevis 10&#039;" style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" src="https://embedr.flickr.com/photos/44940561414" width="500" height="373" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Karenia brevis aka &#8220;red tide&#8221; cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek dînos meaning  &#8220;whirling&#8221; and Latin flagellum meaning &#8220;whip.&#8221; K. brevis&#8217;s unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.

Photo taken from a scanning electron microscope of Karenia brevis aka red tide. Photo By: FWC. * Banner photo: A red tide killed snook washed ashore in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Chris O’Meara AP.
In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of Mexico, red tides introduce a lot of uncertainty into this process. Ongoing red tide blooms can leave managers guessing about their impacts on fish stocks when trying to set the ABC. This uncertainty about red tide impacts can lead to lower catch levels for commercial and recreational fishers, resulting in a lower ABC and less opportunities to bring fish home. To learn more about the ins and outs of  fisheries management in Florida, check out the third education module in the FREE Florida Friendly Angler online program!
Framework of harvest limits used in fisheries management
Red tides affect fish populations and ecosystems in several ways.  First, the brevetoxin released by red tide affects the central nervous system of fish and can result in large fish kills. Moreover, there are multiple sublethal and indirect effects of red tide such as low oxygen, impacts to benthic habitat, movement, and food web dynamics. Red tide could possibly alter the amount of bait/forage available for our prized game fish to eat and negatively impact the habitat where they live. In other words, a gag grouper that is exposed to red tide or poor water quality will have less food to eat, slower growth, and be less likely to survive, reproduce, and maybe one day be caught.  Combined with the fact that red tide doesn’t occur in the same place every time, with the same severity or duration makes estimating red tide impacts on reef fish species tough!
A sheepshead washed ashore from a red tide bloom in Southwest Florida. Photo By: Bryan Fluech.
To tackle this difficult task of estimating red tide impacts on fish stocks and helping make better informed management decisions, comes a new project that aims to a estimate and incorporating red tide mortality into the ABC determination for Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fishes. The “Operationalizing the West Florida Shelf ecosystem model and application to red tides, stock assessment, and catch advice for Gulf of Mexico reef fish” project was funded by the NOAA Restore Science Program.  The project team is developing satellite products to map red tides that will inform an ecosystem model designed to account for factors like the severity and duration of red tide blooms, their lethal and sublethal impact on fish and other marine fauna, and ecosystem dynamics.
Bloom frequency maps from integration of water sample data and MODIS satellite observations. Figure adapted from Hu et al. (2022).
In previous work, the ecosystem model was used to inform the ABC for gag grouper, resulting in a longer fishing season because the impacts on ongoing blooms were estimated to be lower than anticipated.  The project team will refine the model’s inputs and extend its application to additional GoM reef fishes over the next five years. Furthermore, it will develop improved satellite-derived red tide maps and update biogeochemical models to estimate nutrient and oxygen dynamics. These model improvements will enable more precise estimation of red tide mortality rates on various reef fish species undergoing stock assessments. The project outcomes will be presented at workshops and incorporated into stock assessments, ensuring that the ABC reflects current red tide conditions. By operationalizing this modeling framework, fisheries managers can conduct routine red tide assessments, enhancing the sustainability of Gulf fisheries!

Where you can help!
Are you an angler, boater or beach goer living on the West Coast of Florida and wish to help researchers know more about red tide?
Then please consider taking this brief survey anytime you head out on the water and experience red tide.
The survey may be accessed via the hyperlink above or by copy and pasting this link into your browser: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1AOsyJqHCThEPb0 
Information researchers are interested in includes: where did you encounter red tide? Did you see any dead/dying marine life? If so which species? Did your plans change due to encountering red tide? These and a few more questions can improve the models and help managers a TON by helping us determine how fisheries are affected by red tides!
An example of a question asked on the red tide survey to better understand where fish are dying, what species and how your trip may have been affected. Click the links above to access the survey to help fisheries science!
Have a question about red tide and fisheries management you would like answered? Submit your question via this link here and check back to this blog periodically where selected questions and answers will be posted!
A typical sight during a red tide bloom with both forage and game fish washed ashore. Help us determine which fish dying, where and when by responding to the reporting survey above! Photo By: Kate Spinner Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Resources:
Red Tide Updates:

There are plenty(!) of resources and educational materials created about red tide! Check the links below to find information on red tide monitoring, forecasts and beach conditions that you may want to add to your red tide tackle box if and when a bloom occurs.  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has a service where you can subscribe to to receive weekly email and/or text notifications on the detection and current status of red tide throughout the state.  

Collier County also has an automated notification system regarding red tide presence/status at county specific locations. To sign up for theses updates check out this link.
 
Common Causes of Fish Kills in Florida– Dead fish doesn’t always mean red tide, low dissolved oxygen, blue green algae, and extreme weather events can result in a fish kill. Check the link to learn more!
Monitoring: 

FWC Link to current red tide status throughout the state of Florida
Mote Marine Laboratory beach condition reporting system for Florida. Information regarding red tide presence with plenty of info on tidal and environmental conditions across many beaches within our state. 
USF Ocean Circulation Lab Red Tide Prediction and Tracking
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) harmful algae bloom forecasts for Florida and Texas
Reporting:

Live on the west coast of Florida and would like to help researchers record observations during a red tide? Please consider taking this brief survey when you encounter a bloom near you.
FWC Fish Kill Hotline 800-636-0511 
Red Tide Fact Sheets:

Karenia brevis (red tide) fact sheet
Red Tides on the West Florida Shelf
Red Tide FAQs:

FWC red tide frequently asked questions
National Centers For Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Gulf of Mexico harmful algal bloom frequently asked questions
Mote Marine red tide frequently asked questions
Blog: Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Red Tide Bloom
Red Tide Seafood Safety/Fishing: 

Blog: When red tide hits, is your seafood safe? A UF expert answers questions
Red Tide General Info: 

Historic frequency of red tide in Florida by year and month in Florida, FWC
Videos: 

Red Tide in Florida FWC Infographic Video (4:32)
Red Tide Facts and Myths Collier County Video (26:32)
Red Tide and Seafood Safety FWC Infographic Video (4:19)
Peer Reviewed Papers:

Literature Review of Florida Red Tide: Implications for Human Health Effects
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on nearshore fish communities in southwest Florida
Effects of Karenia brevis harmful algal blooms on fish community structure on the West Florida Shelf
Evaluating red tide effects on the West Florida Shelf using a spatiotemporal ecosystem modeling framework
Karenia brevis red tides, brevetoxins in the food web, and impacts on natural resources: Decadal advancements
Blue-Green Algae aka Cyanobacteria and other HABs:

Resources for understanding blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms
General resources: 

University of Florida harmful algae bloom website. Information of causes, effects, solutions and FAQs of HABs
Protecting Florida Together; website with information regarding red tide/blue green algae task force, habitat restoration etc.
				
Karenia brevis aka “red tide” cells swimming! These microscopic organisms belong to the dinoflagellate phylum of algae which have appendages that allow them to move around in the water column. The word dinoflagellate is derived from the Greek dînos meaning  “whirling” and Latin flagellum meaning “whip.” K. brevis’s unique motion helps researchers identify red tide cells from other phytoplankton and algae in a water sample.

In fisheries management, setting the acceptable biological catch (ABC) is vital to ensure sustainable harvest without overexploiting fish stocks. The ABC determines how much fish can be harvested each year, and is estimated using a stock assessment model that brings together multiple data sources to estimate fish abundance and productivity.  However, in the Gulf of […]

Red Tide, Fisheries Modeling and Citizen Science: Casting a Line to Anglers and Gulf of Mexico Stakeholders for Better Data!

If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms&#8221; commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in this &#8220;Naturally Florida&#8221; podcast [&#8230;]

<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/Naturally-Florida-Hand-300x273-1.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-8849 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="273" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/Naturally-Florida-Hand-300x273-1.png"></a>
If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms&#8221; commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in this &#8220;Naturally Florida&#8221; podcast episode.
<h2>New Episode from Naturally Florida</h2>
Naturally Florida (<a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/polk/natural-resources-and-conservation/Naturally-florida-podcast/">a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here</a>) recently released a new episode about algae, algae blooms, and harmful algae blooms.
Check it out, below on Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform.
<iframe title="Spotify Embed: Bloom, there it goes! " style="border-radius: 12px" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2grdf00u1yXWPwR3nH3ExA?si=zjFOndleSRKRguSlo52FGg&#038;utm_source=oembed"></iframe>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/US_UK_Apple_Podcasts_Listen_Badge_RGB-300x73-1.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-8851 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="201" height="49" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/US_UK_Apple_Podcasts_Listen_Badge_RGB-300x73-1.png"></a> <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/EN_Google_Podcasts_Badge_2x.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignleft wp-image-8853 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="201" height="51" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/files/2022/04/EN_Google_Podcasts_Badge_2x.png"></a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you enjoyed this episode about algae, please consider sharing it with a friend.
You can find all the podcast platforms where Naturally Florida is published, submit feedback, or request future topics at <a href="http://www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com">www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com</a>
<div class=" css-1owrxm0">
<div class="css-d91vne">
<div class="css-qf46r9">
<h2 class="Type__TypeElement-sc-goli3j-0 idfSAh" data-slate-node="element" data-encore-id="type">Learn More:</h2>
<ul class="sc-haTkiu dXxWaY" data-slate-node="element">
<li data-slate-node="element">Protecting Florida Together &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ " data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ ⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Marine HABs &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://myfwc.com/redtide/ " data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://myfwc.com/redtide/ ⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Freshwater HABs &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://hab.whoi.edu/ " data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://hab.whoi.edu/ ⁠</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="Type__TypeElement-sc-goli3j-0 idfSAh" data-slate-node="element" data-encore-id="type">How You Can Help:</h2>
<ul class="sc-haTkiu dXxWaY" data-slate-node="element">
<li data-slate-node="element">Limit your contribution to excess nutrients by fertilizing only when necessary, ensuring you blow grass clippings back on the landscape (not down a storm drain…that’s illegal), plant native plants to help with nutrient uptake, and check that your down spout is directed into your landscape and not down your driveway. </li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Report an algal bloom in a freshwater system &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="www.reportalgalbloom.com" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠www.reportalgalbloom.com⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Report fish kills at the Fish Kill Hotline 1-800-636-0511</li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Avoid contact with water that has algae blooms </li>
</ul>
<h2 class="Type__TypeElement-sc-goli3j-0 idfSAh" data-slate-node="element" data-encore-id="type">Sources for this Episode:</h2>
<ul class="sc-haTkiu dXxWaY" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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">
<li data-slate-node="element">Historical Occurrence of HABs &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://hab.whoi.edu/about/historical-occurrence-of-habs/" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://hab.whoi.edu/about/historical-occurrence-of-habs/⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">An Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Florida &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi156_jl9c" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi156_jl9c⁠</a></li>
<li data-slate-node="element">Harmful Algal Blooms &#8211; <a class="Link-sc-k8gsk-0 lmpnRj sc-emDsmM cfKbVX" href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/harmful_algal_blooms " data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true" data-encore-id="textLink">⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/harmful_algal_blooms</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Learn about other episodes from Naturally Florida by <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/global/tag/naturally-florida-podcast/">Clicking Here.</a></h2>
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity. 
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms” commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in this “Naturally Florida” podcast episode.
New Episode from Naturally Florida
Naturally Florida (a podcast about Florida’s natural areas and the wild things that live here) recently released a new episode about algae, algae blooms, and harmful algae blooms.
Check it out, below on Spotify, or on your favorite podcast platform.

 
 
 
If you enjoyed this episode about algae, please consider sharing it with a friend.
You can find all the podcast platforms where Naturally Florida is published, submit feedback, or request future topics at www.naturallyfloridapodcast.com
Learn More:
Protecting Florida Together – ⁠https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/ ⁠
Marine HABs – ⁠https://myfwc.com/redtide/ ⁠
Freshwater HABs – ⁠https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom⁠
U.S. National Office for Harmful Algal Blooms – ⁠https://hab.whoi.edu/ ⁠
How You Can Help:
Limit your contribution to excess nutrients by fertilizing only when necessary, ensuring you blow grass clippings back on the landscape (not down a storm drain…that’s illegal), plant native plants to help with nutrient uptake, and check that your down spout is directed into your landscape and not down your driveway. 
Report an algal bloom in a freshwater system – ⁠www.reportalgalbloom.com⁠
Report fish kills at the Fish Kill Hotline 1-800-636-0511
Avoid contact with water that has algae blooms 
Sources for this Episode:
Historical Occurrence of HABs – ⁠https://hab.whoi.edu/about/historical-occurrence-of-habs/⁠
An Introduction to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Florida – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOi156_jl9c⁠
Harmful Algal Blooms – ⁠https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/harmful_algal_blooms
Learn about other episodes from Naturally Florida by Clicking Here.
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity.
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.

If you live in Florida, chances are you have heard or read about “harmful algal blooms” commonly referred to as HABs. We have received many requests for an episode on this topic, so…here it is! What are algae? What is a HAB? Are all algae bad? Learn this and more in this “Naturally Florida” podcast […]

New Episode from Naturally Florida – “Bloom, there it goes!”

In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the impression that they must be the result of a sewage spill. In fact, these mats are [&#8230;]

In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the impression that they must be the result of a sewage spill. In fact, these mats are thick cyanobacteria colonies that grow on the seafloor but upon dying will rise to the surface as they decompose.
Cyanobacteria are often called algae even though they are a type of photosynthetic bacteria. Their common name, blue-green algae, comes from the color of the pigment they use to absorb the sun’s energy. The prefix “cyano-” means blue. Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of organisms found in a wide variety of habitats including freshwater, salt water, estuaries, and even soil. They can be planktonic (floating in the water column) or benthic (attached to the bottom). They play an important role in the global carbon cycle and were the first taxonomic group known to produce oxygen in Earth’s history. This oxygen production was crucial to the development of Earth’s atmosphere and the evolution of many species we know and love—including humans!
Cyanobacteria blooms can be considered harmful algae blooms when they grow rapidly and produce toxins, create low oxygen zones or shade out other photosynthetic sea life. It’s worth noting that not all cyanobacteria blooms are the same, nor are they all toxic.
<h3>Producing Toxins</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7889" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7889" style="width: 533px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-7889 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Brown tufts of stringy algae coating thick and thin bright green seagrass blades. Interspresed in the brown algae are many small, transparent bubbles." width="533" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2023/07/GPTempDownload-14-300x169.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7889" class="wp-caption-text">Benthic Cyanobacteria Mat covering a seagrass bed. Notice the gas bubbles floating the cyanobacteria vertically towards the surface. Image provided by Dr. David Berthold with the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.</figcaption></figure>
Some species of cyanobacteria can produce toxins such as Microcystis and Anabena (both planktonic), and Dapis (benthic). Because cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that become visible to the naked eye when they form large colonies, it is possible that even a non-toxic bloom may contain pockets of toxins or toxic species. The dominant species in a bloom can also shift depending on environmental conditions. Since it is impossible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it, it is best to avoid close contact with any bloom&#8211;particularly for those who are immunocompromised.
<h3>Low Oxygen Zones &amp; Decomposition </h3>
When waters warm in spring and summer, algae and cyanobacteria blooms decompose and float to the surface. Decomposition is a very oxygen intensive process facilitated by microbes. Consequently, the surrounding waters become depleted of oxygen and much less habitable by other marine life. Some organisms can simply move into a more oxygen rich environment but based on the size of the bloom and an organism’s mobility, low oxygen levels can be lethal.
The microbes that facilitate decomposition pose risks of their own. You should avoid direct contact with decaying cyanobacteria mats to avoid exposure to potential toxins AND these microbes. Contact with microbes and/or toxins may cause skin irritation or more serious illnesses.  In low oxygen conditions, the microbes responsible for decomposition produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is responsible for a rotten-egg smell near large aggregations of cyanobacteria mats, around large fish kills, and at low tide. In cases of prolonged exposure or exposure to high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes and lungs or cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The Center for Disease Control advises moving away from the source of the smell to mitigate these symptoms and reduce the likelihood of more serious long term health impacts. In the case of decaying algae mats, this mayrequire moving upwind.
Another product of decomposition is carbon dioxide, which is what carries the cyanobacteria mats up to the surface. This is same process that causes soda bubbles to rush to the top of bottle when you take the top off. As benthic cyanobacteria mats float to the surface, they may also pull seagrass blades out of the sediment.
<h3>Shading Other Sea Life</h3>
<figure id="attachment_7891" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7891" style="width: 488px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-7891 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Dark brown, poop-like, mats floating intermittently in light brown discolored water in front of a shoreline of green mangroves and a blue sky." width="488" height="366" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2023/07/IMG-4822-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7891" class="wp-caption-text">Decomposing cyanobacteria mats floating in discolored water off the East Wall in Charlotte Harbor. Image provided by Dr. Dave Blewett with the Florida Wildlife Research Institute.</figcaption></figure>
Cyanobacteria and other algae blooms, whether active or decaying, can prevent sunlight from reaching other photosynthetic organisms on the seafloor, like seagrass. Intense blooms can discolor the water outside of the physical mats, reducing the quality and quantity of light available in the water column. When these blooms persist for extended periods of time, they can lead to seagrass die-offs.
<h5>Other Frequently Asked Questions</h5>
If the wind pushes decaying cyanobacteria mats up against my property, can I move them?
Given the risk of exposure to toxins, microbes, and hydrogen sulfide gas, it is best to either let the wind and currents carry the algae away or let it break down. If the smell is intolerable, try staying out of the downwind path.
Why are cyanobacteria blooms and decaying mats becoming more frequent?
Cyanobacteria&#8211;like all photosynthetic organisms&#8211;need nutrients, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to grow. Warm and calm waters also encourage growth. The sunlight, high temperatures and soaking rainstorms that define Florida summers therefore create ideal conditions for cyanobacteria blooms.
You can help reduce your individual nutrient footprint by implementing <a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/">Florida Friendly Landscaping</a> principles in your yard. Learn more about UF/IFAS programs that aim to protect water quality at <a href="https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/">https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/</a>.
How do I tell if a bloom is toxic?
Toxicity of any cyanobacteria bloom cannot be determined by its appearance. If you are concerned about a freshwater bloom in your area, you can check the status on the <a href="https://floridadep.gov/AlgalBloom">Florida Department of Environmental Protection Algal Bloom Dashboard</a>. If the bloom in question hasn’t been tested, you can report new freshwater blooms <a href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3444948/Algal-Bloom-Reporting-Form">online</a> or by calling 855-305-3903.
<h5>Additional Resources &amp; References</h5>
<a href="https://protectingfloridatogether.gov/">Protecting Florida Together</a>
<a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HABs-Cyano_State-of-the-science.pdf">Summary Document from the 2019 Harmful Algae Bloom State of the Science Symposium</a>
<h6>A special thank you to Dr. Lisa Krimsky (UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant) and Brandon Moody (Charlotte County) for their input.</h6>

In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the impression that they must be the result of a sewage spill. In fact, these mats are thick cyanobacteria colonies that grow on the seafloor but upon dying will rise to the surface as they decompose.
Cyanobacteria are often called algae even though they are a type of photosynthetic bacteria. Their common name, blue-green algae, comes from the color of the pigment they use to absorb the sun’s energy. The prefix “cyano-” means blue. Cyanobacteria are a diverse group of organisms found in a wide variety of habitats including freshwater, salt water, estuaries, and even soil. They can be planktonic (floating in the water column) or benthic (attached to the bottom). They play an important role in the global carbon cycle and were the first taxonomic group known to produce oxygen in Earth’s history. This oxygen production was crucial to the development of Earth’s atmosphere and the evolution of many species we know and love—including humans!
Cyanobacteria blooms can be considered harmful algae blooms when they grow rapidly and produce toxins, create low oxygen zones or shade out other photosynthetic sea life. It’s worth noting that not all cyanobacteria blooms are the same, nor are they all toxic.
Producing Toxins
Benthic Cyanobacteria Mat covering a seagrass bed. Notice the gas bubbles floating the cyanobacteria vertically towards the surface. Image provided by Dr. David Berthold with the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
Some species of cyanobacteria can produce toxins such as Microcystis and Anabena (both planktonic), and Dapis (benthic). Because cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that become visible to the naked eye when they form large colonies, it is possible that even a non-toxic bloom may contain pockets of toxins or toxic species. The dominant species in a bloom can also shift depending on environmental conditions. Since it is impossible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it, it is best to avoid close contact with any bloom–particularly for those who are immunocompromised.
Low Oxygen Zones & Decomposition 
When waters warm in spring and summer, algae and cyanobacteria blooms decompose and float to the surface. Decomposition is a very oxygen intensive process facilitated by microbes. Consequently, the surrounding waters become depleted of oxygen and much less habitable by other marine life. Some organisms can simply move into a more oxygen rich environment but based on the size of the bloom and an organism’s mobility, low oxygen levels can be lethal.
The microbes that facilitate decomposition pose risks of their own. You should avoid direct contact with decaying cyanobacteria mats to avoid exposure to potential toxins AND these microbes. Contact with microbes and/or toxins may cause skin irritation or more serious illnesses.  In low oxygen conditions, the microbes responsible for decomposition produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is responsible for a rotten-egg smell near large aggregations of cyanobacteria mats, around large fish kills, and at low tide. In cases of prolonged exposure or exposure to high concentrations, hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes and lungs or cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The Center for Disease Control advises moving away from the source of the smell to mitigate these symptoms and reduce the likelihood of more serious long term health impacts. In the case of decaying algae mats, this mayrequire moving upwind.
Another product of decomposition is carbon dioxide, which is what carries the cyanobacteria mats up to the surface. This is same process that causes soda bubbles to rush to the top of bottle when you take the top off. As benthic cyanobacteria mats float to the surface, they may also pull seagrass blades out of the sediment.
Shading Other Sea Life
Decomposing cyanobacteria mats floating in discolored water off the East Wall in Charlotte Harbor. Image provided by Dr. Dave Blewett with the Florida Wildlife Research Institute.
Cyanobacteria and other algae blooms, whether active or decaying, can prevent sunlight from reaching other photosynthetic organisms on the seafloor, like seagrass. Intense blooms can discolor the water outside of the physical mats, reducing the quality and quantity of light available in the water column. When these blooms persist for extended periods of time, they can lead to seagrass die-offs.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
If the wind pushes decaying cyanobacteria mats up against my property, can I move them?
Given the risk of exposure to toxins, microbes, and hydrogen sulfide gas, it is best to either let the wind and currents carry the algae away or let it break down. If the smell is intolerable, try staying out of the downwind path.
Why are cyanobacteria blooms and decaying mats becoming more frequent?
Cyanobacteria–like all photosynthetic organisms–need nutrients, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to grow. Warm and calm waters also encourage growth. The sunlight, high temperatures and soaking rainstorms that define Florida summers therefore create ideal conditions for cyanobacteria blooms.
You can help reduce your individual nutrient footprint by implementing Florida Friendly Landscaping principles in your yard. Learn more about UF/IFAS programs that aim to protect water quality at https://water.ifas.ufl.edu/.
How do I tell if a bloom is toxic?
Toxicity of any cyanobacteria bloom cannot be determined by its appearance. If you are concerned about a freshwater bloom in your area, you can check the status on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Algal Bloom Dashboard. If the bloom in question hasn’t been tested, you can report new freshwater blooms online or by calling 855-305-3903.
Additional Resources & References
Protecting Florida Together
Summary Document from the 2019 Harmful Algae Bloom State of the Science Symposium
A special thank you to Dr. Lisa Krimsky (UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant) and Brandon Moody (Charlotte County) for their input.

In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the impression that they must be the result of a sewage spill. In fact, these mats are […]

Oh, Poop! Is that what I think it is?!

Algae

Algas

Biological Phenomena

Fenómenos biológicos 

Algal blooms are caused by abnormal increases in the concentration in the water column of certain microscopic algae and algae-like organisms that can cause changes in the color of the water due to the pigments present in the microorganisms. Some of these organisms produce toxins that can be harmful to man, either directly or through the consumption of contaminated seafood. The term "harmful algal bloom" (HAB) is preferred over "red tide" because the blooms are not always red and are not directly associated with tides, and because the term "red tide" applies to many harmless blooms that discolor the water but may exclude many toxic blooms that do not cause water discoloration.
&nbsp;

Las floraciones de algas son causadas por aumentos anormales en la concentraci&oacute;n en la columna de agua de ciertas algas microsc&oacute;picas y organismos similares a las algas que pueden causar cambios en el color del agua debido a los pigmentos presentes en los microorganismos. Algunos de estos organismos producen toxinas que pueden ser da&ntilde;inas para el hombre, ya sea directamente o mediante el consumo de mariscos contaminados. Se prefiere el t&eacute;rmino "floraci&oacute;n de algas nocivas" (HAB) a "marea roja" porque las flores no siempre son rojas y no est&aacute;n directamente asociadas con las mareas, y porque el t&eacute;rmino "marea roja" se aplica a muchas flores inofensivas que decoloran el agua pero puede excluir muchas floraciones t&oacute;xicas que no causan la decoloraci&oacute;n del agua.

Harmful Algal Blooms

Krimsky, Lisa S.

Laughinghouse, Dail

Phlips, Edward J.

Staugler, Elizabeth A.

Allen, Micheal S.

Larkin, Sherry L.

Floraciones de algas nocivos

HABs

Red Tides

Browse AskIFAS Terms

In scientific usage, a phenomenon is any event that is observable, however common it might be, even if it requires the use of instrumentation to observe, record, or compile data concerning it. In natural sciences, a phenomenon is an observable happening or event.

Floraciones de algas nocivos

Related Links

Publicaciones

A Response to Frequently Asked Questions about the 2018 Algae Blooms in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee, and St. Lucie Estuaries

How Red Tides Impact Manatees

Natural Climate Variability Can Influence Cyanobacteria Blooms in Florida Lakes and Reservoirs

Publicaciones relacionadas en el blog de IFAS

Red Tide, Fisheries Modeling and Citizen Science: Casting a Line to Anglers and Gulf of Mexico Stakeholders for Better Data!

New Episode from Naturally Florida – “Bloom, there it goes!”

Oh, Poop! Is that what I think it is?!

Temas más amplios

Algas

Fenómenos biológicos

Expertos relacionados

Find publications by topic area

INFORMATION

LAND GRANT MISSION

FOR AUTHORS