A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is a biological process in which certain phytoplankton, cyanobacteria, or macroalgae proliferate rapidly and reach high biomass, producing adverse ecological or health effects via toxin production, hypoxia, or habitat alteration. HABs are driven by interactions among nutrient enrichment (especially nitrogen and phosphorus), light, temperature, hydrography, and species-specific physiology, often resulting in dominance of toxin-producing taxa such as some dinoflagellates, diatoms, or cyanobacteria. These blooms can disrupt food webs, cause mass mortalities of aquatic organisms, and generate bioaccumulated toxins that affect higher trophic levels, including humans, through consumption or exposure.
Dangerous concentrations of algae such as "red tides" have been consistently emerging in locations around the world. A region in Southern Australia is experiencing a nine-month toxic algae bloom that spans thousands of miles ...
Environment
Feb 1, 2026
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Harmful algal blooms continue to threaten coastal ecosystems and seafood safety worldwide. Among the organisms involved, the benthic dinoflagellate Prorocentrum lima is a known producer of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins ...
Ecology
Jan 29, 2026
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Globally, toxic algal blooms are becoming more frequent and severe, fueled by a warming climate and nutrient runoff. While satellites can easily spot the green carpets once they reach the surface, the "prequels" to these ...
Earth Sciences
Jan 7, 2026
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A team of researchers from Yokohama National University, Japan, have discovered a previously unknown species of marine fungus that can kill harmful, bloom-forming algae.
Cell & Microbiology
Dec 17, 2025
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It's been a busy time for marine wildlife rescuers and researchers, as more sharks were recently found dead along the Cape shoreline.
Plants & Animals
Dec 17, 2025
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Tiny organisms called algae can have an outsized impact on working waterfronts. While many benefit their ecosystems, others can cause devastating economic and ecological effects.
Ecology
Dec 16, 2025
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Toxic algal blooms are of increasing concern in Australia, with South Australia's coastal waters feeling their impacts in the form of damaged marine environments and widespread fish deaths since early 2025.
Ecology
Dec 9, 2025
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South Australians are suddenly hearing a lot about oyster reefs—from government, on the news and in conversations, both online and in person. It's not accidental.
Plants & Animals
Dec 9, 2025
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12
A microscopic organism linked to serious seafood-related illness has been detected for the first time in the waters of Hervey Bay and Gladstone. The findings are published in Harmful Algae. Joseph Perkins, a James Cook University ...
Ecology
Dec 2, 2025
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An underwater bloom of toxic algae has wreaked havoc off the coast of South Australia since mid-March 2025. After eight months, this harmful algal bloom is the longest and one of the most environmentally devastating events ...
Ecology
Nov 20, 2025
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