&ERA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Highlights from the Interagency
Research Program on the Ecology
and Oceanography of Harmful
Algal Blooms (ECOHAB)
Once a sporadic problem, destructive profusions of algae, called Harmful Algal Blooms, now appear in every
coastal state in the nation, inflicting damage on marine ecosystems and threatening public health. Research
sponsored by the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) program is improving
understanding of these blooms, providing early-detection tools to safeguard the public, and working towards
environmentally friendly solutions to this rising problem.
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS: A NATIONAL AND GLOBAL
CONCERN
Two decades ago, few people had heard of "red tides" or harmful algal blooms. Today,
these terms have become all too familiar in the nation's coastal areas, where profusions
of toxic algae have left shores littered with dying fish, led to deaths of marine
mammals, and resulted in shellfish poisoning among seafood consumers. While the
term "toxic algae" is usually used when describing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs),
it is important to keep in mind that HABs are actually caused by a diverse group of
organisms, including toxic and noxious phytoplankton, some protists, cyanobacteria,
benthic algae, and macroalgae. Also, while many of these organisms produce toxins,
some HAB species are problematic without being toxic. Often referred to as "red tide"
for the color some algae turn affected waters, the blooms have grown in frequency,
duration, and scale, becoming a significant concern throughout the world. In the
U.S. alone, the cost of HABs has been reported to exceed $49 million per year, a
conservative estimate that is largely based on fishing and tourism losses and public
and environmental health expenses. The projected price tag associated with HABs is
expected to exceed a billion dollars over the next several decades.
The consequences of HABs are multidimensional, affecting human health, the
balance of aquatic ecosystems, and water quality. In the late 1990s, when Pfiesteria
piscicida blooms in North Carolina and Maryland were implicated in fish kills and
health problems among fishermen, the need for more information and better tools to
cope with HABs became clear. At that time, no single federal agency had the resources
or mandate to address the many facets of the issue. Thus, in 1997, an interagency
program on the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms - ECOHAB -
was initiated to support scientific research on the causes of HABs, their detection,
effects, and control. ECOHAB currently involves the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National
Science Foundation (NSF), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the National
Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA).
EPA supports ECOHAB through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program.
Initially, research efforts were focused on identifying toxins, determining the life
histories of harmful algae, especially Pfiesteria, and improving detection methods.
Today, the focus for EPA is the causal cycle of nutrient inputs, coastal eutrophication,
and algal proliferation. This publication highlights the types of results engendered
through ECOHAB and the direction of future investigations.
Photo: Mary Jo Adams
This red tide event along the
Washington coast was attributed
to Noctiluca, a non-toxic algae
that can deplete oxygen levels
and cause fish kills.
Most algae are not
harmful; in fact, algae
serve as the energy
producers at the base of
the aquatic food chain.
However, when algae
proliferate or produce
toxins, their effects can
reverberate throughout an
aquatic ecosystem. Such
harmful algal blooms
(HABs) are the result of
many factors, including
currents, available
nutrients, sunlight,
temperature, and
ecosystem disturbance. In
order for a bloom to occur,
these factors must interact
in precisely the right
combination to create the
optimal conditions for
growth.
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Principal Investigator: David Oldach,
University of Maryland, Baltimore; Grant
To protect the public, natural resource
Lesions on menhaden recovered from fish agencies need to be able to rapidly
kill areas have been attributed to Pfiesteria detect fhe preseiice of a HAB before
it. leads to health concerns. I lowever,
pisddda.
in the late 1990s, when massive fish kills and unusual health symptoms
among fishermen were reported in North Carolina and Maryland, the
algae causing the problem could not be identified readily using light
microscopy Researchers turned to molecular techniques for a solution.
They developed a real-time test, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay,
that made it possible to identify- Pfiesteria pisddda rapidly. Using this assay
in waterways in Maryland and Delaware, the researchers determined in
which livers and which seasons Pfiesteria bloom events were most likely to
occur. To further aid resource managers, the team also developed assays
for other species of concern. The tests are now used by the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources for routine monitoring and rapid-
response evaluation of possible HAB events. Because multiple agencies
and institutions in Maryland coordinate HAB rapid-response activities,
being able to analyze samples in less than 24 hours has been invaluable
in assessing risks and protecting public health.
The ammonium from
sewage discharge into
coastal water has fueled
the growth of an invasive
seaweed covering coral
reefs along Florida's
southern coast.
Principal Investigator: Brian Lapointe, Harbor Branch
Oceanographic Institution, Inc., Florida; Grant Number
Not all harmful algal blooms produce toxins, and
not all algal blooms involve local species. Over
the past decade, coral reefs around Southeast
Florida have been devastated by a profusion
of seaweeds (macroalgae). Mostly non-native,
these seaweeds have outperformed natural reef
biota. In underwater surveys, researchers found
that a species of seaweed (Caulerpti brach^pu.s\'m:
pamifolui) from the Pacific Ocean had become
the dominant organism at two coral reefs from
2003 to 2004. The invasive species now comprises
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Photo: j. Cutter, Mofe Marine Laboratory
Research into clay dispersal may lead to bloom
mitigation technology that could diminish the
consequences of harmful algal blooms on human
health, fisheries, and ecosystems.
Principal Investigator: Donald Anderson, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution; Grant Number
The control and mitigation of blooms remains
a challenge. One of the most promising
strategies investigated to date is the application
of suspended clay particles over a bloom to
flocculate and settle algal cells.14'4 Although
used in Japan and South Korea, clay dispersal in American waters raises logistical and
environmental questions. What types of readily available clays would work best for the
harmful algae species in the United States? Can toxin-laden clay harm bottom-dwelling
plants and animals? Will clay dispersal increase nutrient levels in the water?
Researchers in this ECOHAB project have assessed the effectiveness of regional clays
for the mitigation of three HAB species, including the Florida red tide organism,
Karen/a brevh. In laboratory and contained field studies, the researchers determined
which clays out of 25 different types were most efficient in removing algae from
suspension. They also experimented with factors such as particle size, water flow,
and salinity to improve removal and mortality of algal cells. They found that clap are
effective and quick-acting, are relatively selective for particular algal species, and can
sequester some dissolved algal toxins from the water column. However, the researchers
also found that clays can absorb or release nutrients, depending upon different
conditions in the water. Through successive experiments, the researchers reduced the
release of nutrients by combining clay with the chemical coagulant, polyaluininum
hydroxychloride (PAG). Importantly, the PAG-treated clay was benign to selected
bottom-dwelling (benthic) marine animals, and it increased the removal of algal cells
from the water. With ECOHAB funding through NOAA, research on this promising
mitigation strategy is continuing. Pilot studies are currently evaluating its effectiveness
in two areas off the coast of Florida where red tide is a reoccurring problem.
60% to 90%' of the reefs' plant and animal life.
Laboratory analyses have demonstrated that
the invasive seaweeds have a strong preference
for ammonium, supporting the hypothesis
that the blooms have been driven by the low-
level buildup of ammonium from land-based
sewage. State organizations and EPA are using
information from this study to address problems
of wastewater disposal and coral reef destruction
in Southeast Florida.
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U.S. EPA Office of Research
and Development
Washington DC
EPA/600/S-06/005
July
Gina Perovich, Program Manager
U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
202-343-9843
perovich.gina@epa.gov
PJmlo: Lee Miller
Research investigating how shellfish—like the Dungeness
crab—absorb and eliminate domoic acid may provide useful
information for predicting the safety of shellfish consumption.
Readers can learn more about the projects in this publication at EFA's National Center for
Environmental Research's Website (http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa). Enter the grant number in the
search box on the right, or to obtain a list of all STAR-sponsored ECOHAB projects, enter "Harmful
Algal Blooms."
The following Web sites provide comprehensive information about harmful algal blooms:
The Harmful Algae Page
(http://wvw.whoi.edu/redlMe): This site provides
national reports, all ECOHAB abstracts, information
on harmful algae, pictures, and links to other
resources. It is supported by the NOAA Center for
Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research Coastal Ocean
Program.
The Northwest Fisheries Science Center Harmful
Algal Bloom Program
(http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab): This site provides
information on the I LAB species afflicting the West
Coast. It describes domoic acid poisoning, paralytic
shellfish poisoning, and technical challenges
associated with detection and monitoring.
HARMNESS - Harmful Algal Research and Response: A National Environmental
Science Strategy 2005-2015 (http://mw.esa.org/HARRNESS): This site offers the
updated National Plan for Marine Biotoxins and Harmful Algae, designed to guide
and reflect the science community's research and management of HABs.
The following Web sites provide further information about ECOHAB efforts across the U.S.:
NOAA Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research - Current HAB Programs: ECOHAB
(http://www.cop.noaa.gov/stressors/extremeevents/hab/current/fact-ecohab.htnil)
ECOHAB Pacific Northwest (http://www.ecohabpriw.org)
ECOHAB Gulf of Maine (http://www.whoi.edu/ecohab)
ECOHAB Florida (http://wwiv.floridaHiarine.org/featiires/view_article.asp?id=24817)
ECOHAB and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
(http://www.hpl.umces.edu/ecohab)
EPA NCER Funding Opportunities - ECOHAB overview
(http://cs.cpa.gov/nccr/ifa/2005/2005_ccohab.html)
Recycled /Recyclable
Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on 100%
Post-consumer Process Chlorine Free Recycled Paper
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Currently, EPA STAR grants are supporting ECOHAB research intended to advance knowledge
of the conditions and processes that promote bloom formation, maintenance, and decline. These
investigations will examine factors such as nutrient pollution and coastal eutrophication. It is
anticipated that these projects will lead to improvements in the following areas:
» HAB forecasting ability
* Control and mitigation options for decision makers
« Bloom prevention strategies
Principal Investigator: Iruin Schultz,
Battelle Memorial Institute;
Grant Number 703
Predicting seafood safety is
complicated by the fact that some
species retain toxins for long
periods. For example, while most
shellfish rapidly excrete domoic
acid, razor clams retain high toxin
levels for six months or more. A
relatively new ECOHAB-supported
research project is investigating
how shellfish incorporate domoic
acid in their tissues and how they
eliminate it. While investigating
the exchange between two trophic
levels—from razor clams to crabs—
the researchers are observing the
processes of domoic add absorption
and elimination in these organisms.
The model developed from their
findings will be especially useful to
risk managers who need to predict
how long it takes for shellfish to
eliminate domoic acid and become
safe for consumption.
High levels of
domoic acid along
Washington's coast
have prompted the
closure of razor
clam fisheries for
several seasons,
causing the loss of
millions of dollars
of revenue,5
Pholo: Dan L, Ayres
Principal Investigator: David Caron, University of Southern California;
Grant Number 705
During the winter and spring
storm season, freshwater rushes
into the Southern California Bight,
carrying substantial amounts of
nutrients, organic compounds, and
trace metals from the surrounding
urbanized watershed. The scientists
in this ECOHAB-supported
project hypothesize that, these
meteorological events greatly
influence the growth of algae and
the formation of harmful algal
blooms in the Los Angeles Harbor
and surrounding waters. The
researchers are investigating the
connection between storm runoff
and the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia
species. By documenting physical
parameters, nutrient and trace
metal concentrations, plankton
abundance, and domoic add levels,
they expect to better understand
what key factors lead to blooms of
Pseudo-nitzsch ia species.
Pholo: Peler E. Miller
Pseudo-nitzschia austra/is, shown
here in a scanned electron micrograph
(SEM) was identified as one of the
dominating, domoic acid-producing
species offshore of Los Angeles.
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Principal Investigator: Sandra Shumway, University of Connecticut;
Number 704
Cells and cysts of many HAB species can pass intact through
the digestive tracts of bivalve molluscs. Because shellfish
are transplanted during normal aquaculture and shellfish
restoration practices, scientists have recognized the potential
for bivalves to introduce HAB species into new areas.
This process is being examined for the first time in a new
ECOHAB-supported project. The research learn is assessing
potential routes of algae introduction to determine the risk
of transferring toxic algal cells or cysts during the transport of
live bivalves between sites. The group will also evaluate ways to
minimize these risks. They will determine: 1) if washing and
purging shellfish intended for transfer can slow or eradicate
the transfer of HAB species; 2) which algal species pass intact
through ihe digestive tracts of commercially important bivalve
mollusks; and 3) how long it takes for bivalves to become safe
for transport following exposure to HAB species. This research
will be valuable to aquaculturists, shellfish harvesters, and
public health managers and can assist in habitat management.
A researcher samples the biodeposits of hard
clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) for intact cells
and cysts of harmful algal species.
Anderson D.M., Hoagland, P., Kaoru, Y. and
White, A.W. 2000. Estimated annual
economic impacts resulting from harmful
algae blooms (HABs) in the United States.
WHOI lech. Rept. No.2000-11. Woods Hole,
MA. Department of Biology and Marine
Policy Center, Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution. http://www.whoi.edu/rcdtide/
pertinentinib/Economics_report.pdf
9
" Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal
Blooms (ECOHAB) Center for Sponsored
Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR), National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.
http://www.cop.rioaa.gov/stressors/
cxtrcmeevents/hab/current/fact-ecohab.
html
Boesch, D.F., Anderson, D.M., Homer, R.A.,
Shumway, S.E., Tester, P.A., Whiteledge,
T.E. 1997. Harmful algal blooms in coastal
water: options for prevention, control and
mitigation. Presented at the Science for
Solutions, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Coastal Ocean Program,
Decision Analysis Series No. 10, Special Joint
Report with the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation, Washington DC, 49 pp.
http:/ /wdfw, wa. gov/ sci e n ce/ a rti cl es/ razor_
clams. Fish &• Wildlife Science, an online
magazine from the Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife.
' Anderson, D.M. 1997. Turning back the harmful
red tide. Nature 388:513-514.
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