Monitoring Program
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 Offshore Monitoring Program 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.
