Center for Red Tide Research
The FWC Center for Red Tide Research (CRTR) was created in 2019. Through existing and new strategic partnerships, the CRTR forms interdisciplinary networks of government, universities, private sector partners, and community scientists to develop, enhance, and sustain coordinated efforts related to harmful algal blooms (HABs). The Center supports efforts to detect and track HABs, respond to HAB events, communicate risk effectively, and promote research to fill gaps in our ability to observe, predict, mitigate, or control HABs and their impacts. These coordinated efforts enhance statewide management of HABs, with a focus on Karenia brevis (the organism responsible for red tide in Florida), by advancing and employing applied research and observations. Between 2019-2024, the state dedicated more than $14.5 million to the center, and continues to strongly support efforts. Funding supported the reactivation of the Florida HAB Task Force and coalescence of the Florida HAB Observing Network (FL-HABON).
Partnerships and Projects
Interdisciplinary partnerships and projects funded through the CRTR address critical HAB monitoring and management needs, and research. The CRTR implements recommendations of the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Task Force by supporting the FWRI HAB Grant Program, and coordinating and participating in statewide collaborations created by the HAB Task Force such as the HAB Communications Working Group, the HAB Health Working Group, and the Interagency Planning Committee for Red Tide Response. Collaborations augment other FWC CRTR efforts and support complementary efforts such as the recommendations of the Blue-Green Algae Task Force.
Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force
The Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force focuses on issues associated with red tide as their top priority.
Since 2019, more than 25 projects involving 15 partners have been funded by the CRTR.
- Center for Red Tide Research Funded Projects
- Recent Publications
- Florida HAB Task Force Products
- Other FWRI Scientific Products on HABs
Partners
The center enhances existing partnerships and develops new ones to address critical monitoring, management, and research needs.
Current partners of the Center are Eckerd College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Health, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Sea Grant, Florida State University, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, Mote Marine Lab, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and University of South Florida.
Katherine Hubbard, Director
Dr. Kate Hubbard directs FWC’s Center for Red Tide Research, is the Chair of the HAB Task Force (2022-Present), and leads FWC-FWRI's harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring and research program (2020-Present). Under her direction and working with CRTC partners, recent advancements to Florida’s HAB monitoring network have focused on new, enhanced, and/or sustained biological, chemical, and physical observation capabilities for Karenia brevis that can be more broadly applied to other regional HABs as well. Her specific expertise in genomics and ecology has helped evaluate drivers of HABs and other species using environmental DNA (eDNA), handheld detection technology, or submersible in situ detection tools such as the Imaging Flow CytoBot.