Floridas northern indian river lagoon suffers from frequent and persistent harmful algal blooms that degrade water quality and have severe ecological, economic, and public health impacts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $932,836 Cooperative Agreement to Florida Atlantic University on July 1, 2026, under the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research Coastal Ocean Program (CFDA 11.478) to research harmful algal bloom dynamics in Florida's Northern Indian River Lagoon and Georgia's Skidaway River Estuary.

The research integrates field observations, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to identify the environmental and biological mechanisms driving harmful algal blooms in these two distinct estuarine systems. Field activities will monitor environmental conditions and bloom characteristics, while laboratory studies will examine how specific algae species respond to nutrient changes and environmental stress. The research team will develop and refine an existing predictive model to forecast blooms and support active management strategies in both estuaries. Deliverables include early-warning systems for harmful algal blooms in subtropical Southeast U.S. estuaries, a model framework to evaluate the efficacy of proposed management interventions, and evidence-based guidance for regional management bodies responsible for bloom mitigation in the Indian River Lagoon.

The award has a period of performance from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with place of performance in Boca Raton, Florida. The Competitive Research Program funds peer-reviewed collaborative research producing actionable science and tools to support management and policy decisions protecting public health, coastal ecosystems, and community economic vitality.

In georgias skidaway river estuary, these blooms occur less frequently, remain short-lived, and have fewer impacts. This project will compare these distinct environments to uncover the fundamental environmental and biological mechanisms that drive harmful blooms. The research team will integrate field observations, laboratory experiments, and computer modeling to better understand the dynamics of these algal blooms. Field activities will track environmental conditions and bloom characteristics, while laboratory studies will examine how specific algae species grow and react to nutrient changes and environmental stress. The team will further develop an existing model to predict blooms and guide active management strategies in these florida and georgia estuaries. The indian river lagoon is an estuary of national significance and a multibillion-dollar economic engine for florida. This project will deliver direct benefits to regional management bodies responsible for mitigating harmful algal blooms. This work will enable evidence-based management decisions that improve the health of the northern indian river lagoon, provide a model framework to evaluate the efficacy of proposed management changes, and support predictions or early warnings of harmful algal blooms in subtropical estuaries in the southeast united states.