HAB Formation by a Motile Alga, Heterosigma akashiwo, in Dynamic Estuarine Environments

Danny Grünbaum , School of Oceanography, University of Washington

R/ES-52

This project will investigate the functional biology and oceanography of harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by Heterosigma akashiwo, an actively swimming algae. Researchers will use innovative observation techniques to quantify how algal swimming responses vary with genetic strain, physiological state, and environmental conditions. Observed cell behaviors will be integrated with oceanographic circulation models to predict their effects on timing, location and severity of toxic blooms. This research will yield new methods for understanding the factors favorable to HAB formation and predicting the effects of future environmental changes.