Harmful algal bloom

A rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria that harms organisms or people through toxins, oxygen depletion, or other effects.

Algal bloom: A rapid increase in the abundance of algae or cyanobacteria in water. Harmful blooms are a damaging subset of this broader phenomenon.
Red tide: A discoloration of coastal water caused by dense concentrations of microscopic organisms, often dinoflagellates. Some red tides are harmful algal blooms that release toxins or damage marine life.
Harmful Algal Bloom Forecasting: The use of observations and models to predict harmful bloom development, movement, or impacts. Forecasts help agencies anticipate exposure and target sampling or warnings.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning: A potentially severe illness caused by saxitoxins, commonly acquired by eating contaminated shellfish. Saxitoxin-producing blooms can contaminate shellfish and create this specific health risk.
Non-toxic algal bloom: A rapid increase in algae that does not produce harmful toxins or cause significant ecological damage. High cell abundance alone does not make a bloom harmful.
Cyanotoxin: A toxic compound produced by certain cyanobacteria. Some blooms release these compounds, contaminating water and harming animals.
Karenia brevis: A marine dinoflagellate that produces brevetoxins and causes recurring blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. Its blooms can kill fish and expose people to airborne toxins.
Remote sensing: The collection of information about distant objects using sensors that detect reflected or emitted energy. Satellite observations can reveal bloom extent and movement across large water bodies.
Ciguatera fish poisoning: A foodborne illness caused by ciguatoxins accumulated in reef fish. It illustrates how toxins from benthic microalgae can reach people through seafood.
Sargassum influx: A large accumulation of floating brown macroalgae, often affecting coastlines and nearshore waters. Massive seaweed accumulations can cause harm without being toxin-producing microscopic blooms.

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