HAB

• HAB also known as Harmful Algae Bloom is the rapid increase or accumulation of algae in an aquatic system.
• Alexandrium is one species that causes HABs.

•  The most effective preventative measures are those that seek to control the anthropogenic influences that promote blooms such as the leaching and runoff of excess nutrients.
• An HAB, known as the Red Tide, has greatly affected the Gulf Coast. Eighty-five toxic species have already been identified. Most of these species can be classified as plant-like because they have chlorophyll and are capable of photosynthesis. Human Illness has greatly increased due to the harmful species. Deaths occur in many ways from contaminated seafood, marine mammal and seabird deaths and extensive fish kills.