Photo Gallery

Please note that all photos have been taken with the individual/individuals permission.

Behind the Scenes:

Did you ever wonder how we decide when to start organizing for the Florida red tide toxins, exposures and effects study? Well, there are many factors involved so we thought we would share a few with you to help you get a better idea of what goes on behind the scenes and see how challenging it can be to work with Mother Nature!

Study Team Investigators	Communicating through the internet	Planning meetings

It is impressive to see the effectiveness of the communication between the investigators for this project. A team of scientists from as far west as Albuquerque New Mexico, as far North as the Carolina's and as far South as Miami, Florida not to forget the many in between, communicate throughout the year via monthly conference calls with PowerPoint presentations, e-mail, and with face to face meetings to discuss the research and future projects. top

	Map of Satellite Imagery

What resources do we use to help plan the exact dates and time of year for our field studies?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is using ocean-color satellite data, in combination with field and meteorological information, to detect algal blooms early, determine their severity and predict their movement. The Florida red tide organism, Karenia brevis , is a microscopic marine algae that contains chlorophyll. Through photosynthesis they produce needed energy (like plants do). When there are large blooms of these organisms in the ocean, the ocean-color satellite data are a great help in tracking their location and movement. top

collecting sample of water	observing preserved water samples with microscope

In the lab, microscopes and other instruments are regularly used to identify and count the number of red tide cells in a sample of water. Calculations are then made to determine the concentration of cells per liter which are used to categorize it as a low, medium or high level of red tide. top

R/V Eugenie Clark Research Vessel	AC9 Optics Profiler	Slocum glider

Research vessels such as Mote Marine Laboratory's R/V Eugenie Clark, are designed specifically for oceanographic field work. Scientists cruise along the SW coast of Florida monitoring the Florida red tide while using sophisticated instruments to detect and analyze the organism, its toxicity and the environmental conditions. top

 

April 29 - May 2, 2004 Siesta Key - Field Study Photos

September 22 - 24, 2006 Siesta Key - Field Study Photos