Current Research

Ongoing experiments and studies by HAB researchers provide crucial data to better manage the natural resources in Florida waters.

What forms of nutrients can Karenia brevis use to grow and bloom?
HAB researchers use laboratory experiments to test the types of nutrients that can be used by Karenia brevis, the Florida red tide organism. Results from this work may help managers develop strategies for mitigating blooms.

Swimming Behavior of the Florida Red Tide
Vertical migration in Karenia brevis may allow it to access nutrients in deep waters, giving it a competitive advantage over other species. Experiments designed to test swimming behavior of K. brevis may provide clues to explain this behavior.

Rapid Toxin Testing for Shellfish in Florida
Researchers are working on a Florida Sea Grant Funded project to help the state transition to a more efficient and effective method for regulatory testing of shellfish toxicity associated with Karenia brevis.

Research on the Life Cycle of Pyrodinium bahamense
Pyrodinium bahamense can threaten public health by contaminating fish and shellfish. Ongoing experiments focus on the organism’s life cycle and will help scientists develop models to predict blooms.

New technologies help identify culprit of the October-November 2013 Florida Bay algal bloom
Mass sponge mortality occurred during an algal bloom in Florida Bay. FWC researchers are working to identify and quantify the bloom species with new technologies.

Indian River Lagoon Bloom Research
Blooms in 2011 and 2012 in the Indian River Lagoon killed seagrass and threatened wildlife health. Continuing research sheds light on these issues.