January, 2012 In Sarasota Bay, the occurrence of a severe red tide in 2005 was followed by increases in dolphin depredation behaviors, declines in body condition, decreased abundance (through temporary and permanent movements to neighboring waters or disappearances), and increased mortality of weaning and newly independent calves. These changes in the dolphin population correlated with [...]

I have been very lucky to participate once again in the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, but this time working on my senior thesis, which will allow me to get my degree when I go back to Argentina. I’ve always been attracted to how a simple algal cell could cause such a big change in the [...]

Estuaries are highly productive and ecologically rich areas that are important habitats for fish and bird species. Over the past few decades, the frequency and duration of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been increasing globally in coastal areas. HABs, especially those caused by the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, occur frequently along Florida’s west coast, [...]

Social behavior, activity budgets and ranging behavior of juvenile bottlenose dolphins change during red tides. They spend less time alone, and they associate in larger, less stable groups, that include a greater diversity of companions. Harmful algae blooms, called red tides in Florida contain neurotoxins which impact prey fish abundance  and potentially dolphin health. New [...]

Algae blooms contain neurotoxins that may have chronic effects on the health of bottlenose dolphins. The dinoflagellate Karenia brevis produces neurotoxic brevetoxins, which are known to be harmful to aquatic organisms and humans (as well as local economies). Known as “Florida red tide,” wave action may cause K. brevis cells to burst, releasing the toxins [...]

A new research paper by SDRP researchers Jessica Powell and Randall Wells sheds light how anglers and boaters can impact dolphins. The research study presents findings from 2000-2007 shows adverse dolphin-human interactions to be increasing.

By Mike Twiner, PhD, University of Michigan and Spencer Fire, PhD, NOAA Marine Biotoxins Program Marine sentinel species such as bottlenose dolphins can be negatively impacted by toxic compounds produced by naturally occurring phytoplankton (single-celled marine algae). The Sarasota Bay bottlenose dolphin population is frequently exposed to toxic blooms of the marine algae Karenia brevis [...]

By Elizabeth Berens McCabe, MS, Chicago Zoological Society Natural disturbances such as harmful algal blooms can greatly affect the community dynamics of estuaries and nearshore environments.  In Florida, red tides are a type of harmful algal bloom caused by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis.  This naturally occurring alga produces brevetoxins (PbTx), lethal neurotoxins which affect the [...]