Researchers in the HAB imaging department use a variety of
microscopic equipment to examine marine organisms at the cellular
and subcellular levels. Microscopic analysis is used to enumerate,
identify and differentiate similar algal species.
Microscopic organisms can positively
and negatively affect marine ecosystems. Phytoplankton are
single-celled organisms that form the base of the food chain and
can drive major fisheries. Phytoplankton can also positively affect
ecosystems by recycling nutrients. Some plankton species, however,
produce potent toxins that can kill marine fish. The HAB imaging
laboratory at FWRI is equipped to prepare and examine most types of
marine organisms at both the cellular and subcellular levels. This
technology has proven to be invaluable in assessing the health of
many different marine organisms including corals, dinoflagellates,
fish, mollusks, parasites, and seagrasses and for groundbreaking
work in identifying and distinguishing toxic algae, including the
species responsible for Florida red tides. Recent imaging research
has demonstrated that Florida red tides can be composed of up to at
least five different Karenia species. The HAB imaging
department is equipped with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a
transmission electron microscope (TEM), and numerous light
microscopes.
Persons with Disabilities