The Batten School & VIMS campus will be closed on Monday, March 15 due to the National Weather Service prediction for severe weather including periods of rain, damaging winds and the potential for tornadoes.

 

Skip to main content

Harmful Algal Blooms

Algal blooms, or "red tides," are caused by aggregations of tiny marine plants, some of which contain reddish pigment. Algae are normal components of all aquatic environments, but can produce what is known as a “harmful algal bloom” or “HAB” when they bloom in significant numbers, lead to oxygen depletion or generate toxic byproducts. HABs can harm marine organisms and some also impact human health.

Select from the choices below to learn more about HABs and HAB research at the Batten School & VIMS.

What are HABs?

Algae are normal parts of aquatic environments, but can form “harmful algal blooms” when good algae go bad.

HAB Species

HAB Species

Learn about local species that can form harmful algal blooms when they proliferate or generate toxic byproducts.

Impacts

Discover the many ways that harmful algal blooms impact marine life and human health in Chesapeake Bay and worldwide.

Report a HAB

Notify us if you've encountered an algal bloom or fish kill in Chesapeake Bay or nearby coastal waters.

Research

Cutting-edge science at the Batten School & VIMS helps to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms and their impacts.

HAB Tech

HAB Tech

From molecular assays to drones and cytobots, the Batten School & VIMS are at the cutting-edge of using tech to better understand and manage HABs.
HAB Videos

Videos

Enter the microscopic world of Chesapeake Bay algae that are capable of producing harmful algal blooms.