Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System (HAB-OFS)

HAB-OFS Bulletin Archive

HAB-OFS Contributors & Data Providers

Developmental HAB Forecast Projects

Links to Other HAB Resources

Overview

Advance warning of harmful algal blooms (HABs) (commonly called "red tide") increases the options for managing impacts resulting from these events. NOAA's Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System (HAB-OFS) provides information on the location, extent, and the potential for development or movement of harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico.

The forecast system relies on satellite imagery, field observations, models, public health reports and buoy data to provide the large spatial scale and high frequency of observations required to assess and predict bloom conditions, location and movements. HAB conditions reports, including potential impacts for the next 3-4 days, are posted to this Web page twice a week after confirmation of a HAB, and once weekly during the inactive HAB season. Additional bloom analysis is included in the HAB Bulletin that is provided to state and local coastal resource managers in the region. How do I get the NOAA HAB Bulletin?

The Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System is an ongoing project that depends on the dedication, energy, and feedback of individuals from partner agencies and numerous other organizations working on this issue in the Gulf of Mexico.

Conditions Reports by Region         Southwest Florida     Northwest Florida     East Florida      Texas

View frequently asked questions about the Conditions Report.

Operational Conditions Reports Southwest Florida Monday, May 14, 2012 There is currently no indication of a \fIKarenia brevis\fP bloom in southwest Florida including the Florida Keys. No impacts are expected today through Sunday, May 20 alongshore southwest Florida and the Florida Keys. Patches of discolored water alongshore Manatee, Sarasota and Lee counties continue to be reported. This discoloration is attributed to a bloom of the algae Trichodesmium which does not produce respiratory irritation impacts associated with the Florida red tide caused by \fIKarenia brevis\fP. Northwest Florida Wednesday, May 16, 2012 There are currently no reports of harmful algae in this region. No impacts are expected. Last report: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 East Florida Wednesday, May 16, 2012 There are currently no reports of harmful algae in this region. No impacts are expected. Last report: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 Texas Monday, May 14, 2012 There is currently no indication of a harmful algal bloom of Karenia brevis (Texas red tide) at the coast in Texas. No impacts are expected alongshore Texas today through Sunday, May 20. There is currently a bloom of the algae Aureoumbra lagunensis in the upper Laguna Madre region. This algae does not produce respiratory impacts associated with the Texas red tide caused by Karenia brevis, but it may cause discolored water.

Additional information including the Conditions Report is available from the Florida Red Tide Health Hotline: 1-888-232-8635

HAB Bulletin

The HAB Bulletin alerts subscribers to developing blooms and changes in the location and extent of existing blooms.

Operational HAB Bulletins are sent twice a week via e-mail to registered users with natural resource management responsibilities. A week after the HAB bulletin has been issued, it is posted to the Harmful Algal Bloom Bulletin Archive for public access. NOAA demonstration bulletins are pre-operational and may not be issued on a routine schedule. (Please visit the Developmental HAB Forecast Project web page for more information about developmental HAB projects.) If you have management responsibility and would like to be added to the mailing list, contact NOAA Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System.

The HAB Bulletin Guide document is provided for the registered users to understand and interpret the HAB Bulletin. It is in the PDF format and available for downloading.

(The Adobe Reader is required for viewing the PDF document.)

(Photo Credit NOAA, WHOI, FWC FWRI, Charlotte (FL) Sun Herald)