Red Tide: A red tide event in the Gulf of Mexico. Note the patch of discolored water in the background, caused by the presence of countless microscopic algae.
York River HAB: A harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the York River during summer 2005. The bloom was caused by dense aggregations of Cochlodinium polykrikoides, a species associated with fish kills and economic loss in Japan and Korea. Blooms of this species have harmed oyster larvae in the York River.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Killberg.
York River HAB: A harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the York River during summer 2005. The bloom was caused by dense aggregations of Cochlodinium polykrikoides, a species associated with fish kills and economic loss in Japan and Korea. Blooms of this species have harmed oyster larvae in the York River.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Killberg.
HAB Cells: A filtered water sample from the harmful algal bloom (HAB) that struck the York River during summer 2005. The bloom was caused by dense aggregations of Cochlodinium polykrikoides.
Photo courtesy of Lynn Killberg.
Armored Dinoflagellate: A microphotograph of a chain of Alexandrium monilatum cells from a Chesapeake Bay water sample. This alga has bloomed the last two summers around Labor Day, although it was not found blooming in previous years and was last reported from a Chesapeake Bay sample in the 1940s.
Photo courtesy of Bill Jones.
Diatoms: Diatoms are some of most varied, beautiful and geometrically intricate of all phytoplankton. They have a rigid silica shell composed of two interlocking parts. Diatoms and other algae are normal components of all aquatic environments. However, when they bloom in significant numbers and produce biotoxins, they can produce harmful algal blooms or HABs.
Red Tide?
| August 17, 2009I've observed a patch of water that is colored red or mahogany. What should I do?
Discolored water is a typical sign of an algal bloom, or "red tide." Red tides are caused by dense blooms of photosynthetic algae that contain reddish pigment. Some of the micro-organisms responsible for red tides can be harmful to both marine organisms and human health. Scientists refer to these as "harmful algal blooms" or HABs.
Virginia’s Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force
Virginia's toll-free hotline for Harmful Algal Bloom information is (888) 238-6154.
Virginia's Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force includes representatives from the Virginia Department of Health, the Marine Resources Commission, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (Drs. Kimberly Reece and Wolfgang Vogelbein) and Old Dominion University. These agencies and institutions will participate in responding if a Harmful Algal Bloom occurs in Virginia.
What is Virginia doing about HABs?
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science works in cooperation with other state agencies, particularly the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Health, including the Division of Shellfish Sanitation, to regularly monitor the water and shellfish growing areas for the presence of HABs and to conduct surveillance for human-health effects. The public will be notified by the Department of Health if a HAB that could affect human health is identified.
How do I report discolored water (i.e., a HAB) and /or a fish kill or related event?
If you see a red or brown tide, water that has an odd color, or a fish kill, call:
A. The Department of Environmental Quality
During business hours - DEQ regional offices
- Virginia Beach: (757) 518-2000
- Richmond: (804) 527-5020
- Woodbridge: (703) 583-3800
B. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science - (804) 684-7108 (Advisory office), Dr. Reece (804) 684-7407, Dr. Vogelbein (804) 684-7261.
What if I feel I have been exposed to a HAB?
If you are concerned that you have been exposed to a HAB, please see your doctor or call your local health department. Telling your doctor about contact with water may help him/her treat any possible illness properly. You can also call the Virginia Department of Health HABs Hotline at (888) 238-6154.
