Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms

Learn how NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System tracks and predicts harmful algal blooms using satellites in space, buoys on the surface of the ocean, and sensors on the ocean floor. Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur when colonies of algae—simple ocean plants that live in the sea—grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds. The human illnesses caused by HABs, though rare, can be debilitating or even fatal.

"Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms" is just one of many exciting videos on The Ocean Today Kiosk. For full effect, visit the Ocean Today Kiosk at the Smithsonian Institution's Sant Ocean Hall or at an aquarium near you.

Original source: http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/video.html .

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As the name 'red tide' suggests, the bloom of algae that turns up in Florida often turns the water a deep red color. But blooms aren't always red. That's why scientists prefer the term harmful algal bloom, or HAB, because the toxic blooms of algae that occur in waters around the world come in many forms and many colors ... and some have no color at all. You can read more about HABs on our Ocean Facts page.