The HAB monitoring program was established to monitor and detect
nuisance, harmful, and toxic algal blooms in Florida. Sample
collection is coordinated with numerous collaborators around the
state.
The HAB group coordinates sample
collection for the detection and monitoring of nuisance, harmful,
and toxic algal blooms, including Florida red tide, around the
state. When a potential HAB is reported, FWRI staff, other agencies
(local, state, and federal), and private citizens participating in
FWRI's volunteer Red Tide Offshore
Monitoring Program (RTOMP) collect water samples and associated
water quality data. Samples may be collected from the shoreline,
bridges, fishing piers, or offshore areas by boat or during
research cruises. Samples are returned to the FWRI laboratory and
are examined under a microscope for species identification. All
data are entered into the HAB historical database. Results are
reported to managers and other interested parties, and appropriate
actions, such as closing shellfish harvesting areas, are taken as
necessary. The information from the HAB monitoring program is
posted on FWRI's Harmful Algal
Bloom Events-Current Status Web page during Florida red tide
events.
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