WHOI researcher Kerry Norton uses fluorescence microscopy to identify and count dormant cysts of Alexandrium fundyense, the alga that produces a toxin that accumulates in shellfish and can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning in humans who consume them. In low numbers, the alga poses little danger; but in some years, the species undergoes a regional population explosion and creates a red tide or harmful algal bloom. WHOI scientists have developed a computer model that predicts the likelihood of a summer red tide based on counting the Alexandrium cysts in seafloor sediments the previous fall. This year, the group predicts a “moderate” red tide season in New England coastal waters. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Text, images, graphics and other material contained on this website are subject to copyright. For more information or to license material, please contact the WHOI Media Relations Office, media@whoi.edu or (508) 289-3340.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to research and education to advance understanding of the ocean and its interaction with the Earth system, and to communicating this understanding for the benefit of society. Learn more »
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Vimeo
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS Feeds
