Dr. Gary Kirkpatrick, Program Manager; focuses on microscopic plants in the oceans, many of which produce harmful toxins. This program addresses phytoplankton behavior, photophysiology and bloom dynamics. Investigations utilize remote sensing technology for monitoring natural phytoplankton blooms as well as laboratory studies to understand how harmful marine algae function at the cellular level. A major focus of this program is to better understand conditions under which red tide blooms develop. This is enhanced through collection and utilization of satellite remote sensing data to observe planktonic movements in the Gulf of Mexico, coordinating this information with oceanographic surveys and utilizing an instrument designed and constructed at Mote for monitoring phytoplankton response to natural solar energy.