You are here: Home › Stressors › Extreme Events › Harmful Algal Blooms ›
Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecasting

Harmful Algal Bloom Research

Abstract

Due to the deleterious effects of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) throughout U.S. coasts and estuaries, it is necessary to provide state management agencies with information regarding the location, extent and forecasted movement of HABs in order to target sampling and make decisions.  In addition, forecasts of bloom impacts are crucial for providing local businesses and the public information regarding the likelihood that bloom effects will be observed at their beaches.  Currently, a HAB forecast system has been developed for the eastern Gulf of Mexico to provide information regarding blooms of Karenia brevis.  Although the detection methods used are effective >80% of the time, false positives are common as a result of blooms of non-harmful phytoplankton and resuspension of benthic chlorophyll.  Optical techniques are being investigated for improving upon these false positives.  In addition, our desire is to develop regional forecast systems for HABs throughout U.S. coastal regions impacted by toxic phytoplankton species.  To accomplish this, continued research is necessary to develop useful remote sensing products and to incorporate other real-time data streams for the detection and monitoring of HABs.  This project will work directly with regional HAB research and monitoring programs to develop the capability to accurately forecast HABs. 

Objectives

The HAB research project will work directly with federal, state and local scientists to develop products for the use in regional HAB forecast system throughout the coastal U.S.   Various algorithms will be applied to satellite image products, in order to accurately detect and monitor for HABs.  This will require strong collaboration with research scientists in each region, since the nature of these blooms are unique and require an understanding of the overall ecology of the phytoplankton community and the physical environment in which they occur.   Potential products will be compared with field measurements of bloom location, phytoplankton and toxin concentration in a hindcast mode, to determine their usefulness in a forecast system.

Time Frame

Ongoing.

For More Information

Project Manager:
Michelle.Tomlinson@noaa.gov
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x225