FAU HARBOR BRANCH RECEIVES HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM RESEARCH FUNDING

by Lynda F. Rysavy | Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019

The泭勛圖厙 Department of Health announced that $650,000 in legislatively appropriated funds was awarded to four 勛圖厙 universities. 勛圖厙's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute received $269,000 of the funds. This funding will support our researchers in their efforts to improve the understanding of the potential long-term human-health impacts of harmful algal blooms like blue-green algae and red tide.泭

"We are filling an important gap in knowledge about the potential long-term health impacts of harmful algal blooms on human health,泭said Adam Schaefer, MPH, an epidemiologist at 勛圖厙's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.泭"I look forward to working with all of our research partners on this important public health research initiative.泭泭

Potential outcomes of the research will include improved environmental and/or human toxin tests and a better understanding of the health risks for people with variable exposure to the toxins (from the occasional beach visitor to those with occupational exposures). The priorities for this research are:泭

  • 捩娶梗措梗紳喧勳棗紳:泭Research with a focus on the prevention of impacts from exposure to toxins associated with harmful algal blooms.

  • 啦娶梗硃喧鳥梗紳喧:泭Research with a focus on the improved treatment of impacts from exposure to toxins associated with harmful algal blooms.

  • Health Disparities:泭Research that contributes to reductions of impacts from exposure to toxins associated with harmful algal blooms resulting from health disparities due to race, ethnicity or income.

  • Screening: Improve screening accuracy, detection of high-risk subgroups, and/or improved implementation of a HAB-toxin screening program that results in an increase in early detection or prevention of HAB related illness.

Visit the for more information on this research project.

Additional Information
勛圖厙 Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branchs research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
勛圖厙
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946