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Harmful Algal Bloom Research at Hollings Marine Laboratory
Overview
HABs can affect finfish and shellfish by depleting oxygen, clogging gills or altering their food supply. HABs also produce toxins that can lead to sickness or death of fish, shellfish and humans. HML research allows for better for surveillance, response and technology development associated with the growing HAB threat. Toxic or otherwise harmful algal blooms can be symptomatic of degraded water quality, and appear to be spreading globally in response to increased nutrient loading associated with coastal development. Problems associated with HABs (including many "red tide" dinoflagellates and Pfiesteria) are well-documented, and can result in devastating effects on fishery and aquaculture production and human health. HML has several projects of critical importance to understanding the distribution, causes and impacts of HABs around the world.