Algal Blooms in Florida’s Coastal and Inland Waters

MAY 11, 2022 at 6pm
Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D.

Algal Blooms in Florida’s Coastal and Inland Waters

About the Lecture

Microscopic algae, also known as phytoplankton, are essential components of healthy aquatic ecosystems but some species form harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten ecosystem stability, human health, and local economies. The frequency and intensity of these HABs appear to be increasing due to nutrient pollution and other human-induced modifications to the natural environment. This talk will focus on the multiple HAB species that are found in south Florida and current efforts to better understand their bloom dynamics.

Bio Sketch

Malcolm McFarland, Ph.D., Research Associate, Marine Ecosystem Health, FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute