HAB Control and Mitigation

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are an intense proliferation of algae causing severe economic losses to aquaculture, fisheries and tourism operations and having major environmental and human health impacts.  The intensity and frequency of HABs have been increasing over the past few decades which is believed to be due to increased utilization of coastal waters for aquaculture, stimulation of plankton blooms by cultural eutrophication and/or unusual climatological conditions, and transportation of dinoflagellate resting cysts either in ships’ ballast water or associated with translocation of shellfish stocks from one area to another. The Place lab contributes to research involving how to best control and mitigate blooms when they happen.

Dinoflagellate Movement

Dinoflagellates are often characterized as pelagic or benthic though these algae can migrate vertically from one habitat to the other over the course of a diel period. Knowing who is where at what time is critical for harmful algal bloom monitoring, and knowing what cues trigger algal movement will allow us to better predict where and when these algae can be found. Members of our lab developed a Submerged Microscope for Observing Substrates (SuMOS), a standalone submerged camera device designed to study small-scale processes on underwater surfaces. In addition, we are using a digital holographic microscope to assess patterns in movement across dinoflagellate species.

Toxin Monitoring and Sampling

 There is a need among scientists and managers to regularly monitor for previously undetected or emerging phycotoxins. There are a multitude of methods to monitor harmful algal species and the phycotoxins they produce, each with its own benefits and caveats, and these recommendations may vary based on 1. monitoring program objectives, 2. logistics, like budget or accessibility, 3. environmental conditions, like biofouling and water residence time, and 4. phycotoxins of interest in a study area. 

The Place lab has recently been assessing the use of these various monitoring strategies in two New Jersey estuaries by not only measuring absorption of toxins by passive samplers, but also desorption so we can maximize the efficiency of their use. Additionally, our team has facilitated in the monitoring of toxic algae at locations such as Williston Lake at Camp Todd and Horn Point Laboratory's oyster hatchery.