Harmful Algae

This research theme focuses on understanding the ecological conditions, nutrient dynamics, physiological traits, and environmental controls that promote cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in freshwater bodies. It also evaluates management strategies, especially nutrient reduction (nitrogen and phosphorus), hydrologic modifications, and how anthropogenic impacts and climatic factors interact to influence bloom dynamics. As cyanoHABs pose significant risks to water quality, ecosystem function, and public health, effective management and prediction are critical.

This theme addresses the specific consequences of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on aquaculture and fisheries, including human health risks from toxin bioaccumulation in shellfish and finfish, economic losses due to harvesting closures and fish kills, and the challenges HABs pose to shellfish safety monitoring and early warning systems. Research investigates the occurrence of toxic species, their geographic distribution, toxin production, and emerging technologies to forecast blooms to minimize impacts on the seafood industry and public health.

Research under this theme examines innovative biological, genomic, and technological methods to assess harmful algal blooms, including assessing genotoxic potential, genomic characterization of toxin-producing cyanobacteria, bioindicator approaches, and advances in food safety of algae-derived products. It also addresses the challenges in microplastic pollution co-occurring with algal toxins, and stresses the importance of coordinated interdisciplinary approaches to manage and mitigate the ecological and health impacts of harmful algae.