Harmful Algal BloomS Observing System (HABSOS)

Within the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are significant features that have been reported since the first Spanish explorations of the region. In recent years more attention has been paid these phenomena due to the public perception that these blooms are more frequent and persistent. A part of this increased public awareness is likely based on the real impacts HABs can have on an ever increasing coastal population. The toxins introduced into the ecosystem by a HAB event can seriously affect the health of both of people and marine life, as well as tremendously disrupt local and regional economies. Coastal managers and researchers are now challenged to monitor, assess and even forecast these events in an effort to work towards minimizing these impacts.

The Harmful Algal Blooms Observing System (HABSOS) website is a regional, web-based data and information dissemination tool. This website provides a secure data entry tool for collection of cell count observations of the algal species Karenia brevis. Data entered into the system are aggregated and available for display in the HABSOS Internet Mapping Service (IMS). Online assessment and analysis of HAB events are enhanced through the integration of in-situ observations, surface forecasts, and powerful satellite imagery products into the IMS. A link is also provided to the official NOAA HAB Bulletin.

The HABSOS is a regional coalition of U.S. and Mexican Federal and State agencies working together with international researchers. The HABSOS and the BiNational HABSOS were developed and continue to be supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development, the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program, and the NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center.