Extreme natural events such as hurricanes, floods, and harmful algal
blooms stress coastal ecosystems, often for long periods after their
passing. Predicting the extent and duration of these effects is one of
the research objectives of CCFHR. These predictions are useful to coastal
managers in responding to these events and in developing plans to deal
with their recurrence.
A major research program at CCFHR has better our scientific understanding
of harmful algal blooms. This program has identified the life cycle of
the dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria piscicida. Molecular probes have
been developed to distinguish it from other algae with which it can be
confused. This capability allows managers to respond more precisely to
reported algal blooms or to evidence of their effects and thereby issue
appropriate warnings, avoid unnecessary public anxiety, and provide appropriately
directed responses.
CCFHR
is developing models to predict how nutrients can trigger and sustain
harmful algal blooms. These models may be used to forecast when
and where blooms are likely to occur.
In other work, techniques have been developed to measure algal toxins
such as domoic acid. We provide this technology to such partners and
users as the Quileute tribe in Washington State to better protect public
health.
CCFHR has developed assays for brevetoxins produced by the algae, Karenia
brevis and is determining its effects on copepods. These effects
may lead to transfer to organisms higher in the food web with possible
mortalities of valued fish, seabirds and marine mammals.
Hurricanes are
a regularly occurring phenomenon along the southeastern Atlantic and
Gulf of Mexico coasts of the U.S. causing extensive damage to human lives
and property. Hurricanes also effect the ecological infrastructure upon
which a significant proportion of the economy of these regions depends.
CCFHR scientists have documented how the ecosystem of the Albemarle-Pamlico
Sound has responded to a recent flurry of hurricanes striking North Carolina.
Remobilization of nutrients has triggered algal blooms with possible
environmental degradation. Satellite imaging and other remote sensing
technologies are being employed to document the persistence of the effects
of these hurricanes. These effects include freshwater inputs and salinity
changes, water column destratification and restratification, eutrophication,
and development of hypoxia. These effects can ripple through other parts
of coastal ecosystems with consequences which we cannot fully predict,
but which CCFHR researchers are seeking to understand.
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