RealTime HABs
Real-Time HABs provides timely information on harmful algae in the Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest HAB Bulletin (PNW HAB) provides an early warning of HABs to coastal shellfish managers. An integrated component of the PNW HAB Bulletin, measurements are made remotely and autonomously by an underwater robot, the ESP, and are available in near-real time in the ESP Now section. By detecting both the potentially harmful phytoplankton species as well as the toxin they produce, the ESP gives us early warning of these events.
A new tool is on the lookout for harmful algal blooms and their toxins off the coast of La Push, Washington. The Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) will monitor specific algal species and domoic acid, a toxin the algae produce.
"Harmful Algal Blooms" (HABs) can cause serious health and economic problems including injuries to marine mammals, human illness or even death and economic losses related to fishery failures and lost tourism revenue.