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National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (CCMA)

Weekly Report – March 26, 2008

CCMA Assists Texas Resource Managers in Protecting Residents from Effects of Unusual Harmful Algal Bloom
Scientists from the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA)are assisting the state of Texas after the discovery of a toxic bloom of the dinoflagellate Dinophysis in south Texas bays resulted in the closure of oyster and clam fisheries. CCMA scientists are modeling potential transport of the bloom to nearby regions in order to help the state develop monitoring and sampling strategies to minimize negative effects on the economy and health of local residents. The bloom, first reported March 4, is the first time Dinophysis has been recorded at toxic levels in the Gulf of Mexico. The results of the modeling effort are being released in bulletins to the management community. For more information, contact Rick Stumpf at (301) 713-3028 ex. 173 or Richard.Stumpf@noaa.gov.

CCMA-Sponsored Research Featured in New Film About Florida Red Tides
Much of the research and many of the scientists interviewed for the film "Guardians of the Gulf", a 60 minute documentary that educates the public on Florida Red Tides, were funded by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s ECOHAB and MERHAB Programs, with both Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment and Center for Coastal Fisheries Habitat and Research staff featured in the film.  The film, which discusses the causative organism, Karenia brevis, and what scientists are doing to detect, monitor, and mitigate the effects of red tide blooms, will be shown during the Sarasota Film Festival Monday, April 7. (http://www.sarasotafilmfestival.com/).  It was produced by the nonprofit Essential Image Source Foundation under the sponsorship of START (Solutions to Avoid Red Tide), a community-based organization.  For more information, contact Rick Stumpf at (301) 713-3028 or Richard.Richard.Stumpf@noaa.gov, or Pat Tester at (252) 728-8792 or Pat.Tester@noaa.gov.