Harmful Algal Blooms Observing System (HABSOS) Case Study

A partnership of federal, state, and academic organizations developed the Harmful Algal Blooms Observing System (HABSOS) Pilot Project, conducted between 2001-2003, as a proof-of-concept for the development of a coastal observing system in the Gulf of Mexico. As its goal, the project's Case Study sought to design a HABs data management and communication system to assist State managers in establishing a network of coastal laboratories for rapid collection and dissemination of data and information on Karenia brevis events and related environmental factors.

This map reconstructs the regional environmental conditions and tracks the occurrence and trajectory of Karenia brevis events during 1996, 1997, and 2000 in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This map demonstrates the benefits of data integration and dissemination by providing not only aggregated cell count information of the Karenia brevis events but also corresponding satellite coverage of sea surface temperatures and chlorophyll-a analysis.

**Please note: You must enable JavaScript must and disable pop-up blocking for the map to function properly.**