Introduction
Prior to establishing the new PCM HAB Program (which is authorized by the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act), ECOHAB and MERHAB addressed HAB prevention, control, and mitigation (PCM) issues to some degree. ECOHAB and MERHAB projects, detailed below, have led to significant advances in HAB PCM. Specifically, they have:
- researched new, promising methods for bloom control,
- developed new detection methods for HAB organisms and their toxins, which have been or are being transitioned to use by managers,
- advanced the transition of new HAB forecasting approaches to operational use, and
- assessed the economic impacts of HABs nationally and regionally.
The new PCM HAB Program now provides a focused opportunity to move more PCM strategies and technologies from development through demonstration (i.e., validation) to transfer to end-users.
PCM HAB Fiscal Year 2011 Projects
- Title: Implementation of an Operational Model for Prediction of Alexandrium fundyense Blooms in the Gulf of Maine
Investigators: Dennis J. McGillicuddy
Institutions: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
- Title: Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) Development: Targeting Cost Reductions, Robustness and an Improved User Interface
Investigators: Ivory Engstrom (lead), Cheri Everlove, Yuki Honjo, Susumu Honjo, Donald M. Anderson, Christopher A. Scholin, Christopher Melancon
Institutions: McLane Research Laboratories (lead), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Spyglass Biosecurity
- Title: Biological Degradation of Microcystins: A First Step Towards Biofilters for High Efficiency Toxin Removal
Investigators: Steven W. Wilhelm (lead) and Gregory L. Boyer
Institutions: University of Tennessee (lead), State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
PCM HAB Fiscal Year 2010 Projects
PCM Projects Supported through ECOHAB and MERHAB
2007
Domoic Acid Dip Stick Test Kit: A Rapid, Inexpensive, Sensitive Field Assay for Use by Resource Managers, Public Health Officials, Shellfish Harvesters and Citizens Monitoring Groups
2006
Engineering Upgrades and Field Trials of the Autonomous Microbial Genosensor
2005
Rapid HAB detection instrument development and deployment
Role of parasitism on HAB dynamics: Amoebophrya sp. ex Alexandrium tamarense
2004
Economic impacts of HAB events and the value of scientific predictions
2003
Dynamics and mechanisms of HAB dinoflagellate mortality by algicidal bacteria.
2002
Control of harmful algal blooms using clays: phase II
Predictive models of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense in the Gulf of Maine: quantitative evaluation, refinement, and transition to operational mode for coastal management
2001
Algicidal bacteria targeting Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve): population dynamics and killing activity
1998
Exploring lytic and temperate viruses of Karenia brevis (formerly Gymnodinium breve) as a mechanism of controlling red tide blooms
PCM Projects Funded by Other ECOHAB Partners
2004
Economic effects of HABs on coastal communities and shellfish culture in Florida
Assessment of the potential for introduction of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species via shellfish transport
1999
A framework for estimating the economic impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the United States
The economic effects of Pfiesteria in the mid-Atlantic region
Mitigation of fish-killing algal blooms using clay
1998
Control of harmful algal blooms using clays
1997
Algicidal bacteria and the regulation of Gymnodinium breve blooms in the Gulf of Mexico