Image: Red tides
Caption: Although referred to as "Red tides", blooms are not only red, but can be brown, yellow, green, or milky in color. These blooms can be caused by high concentrations of toxic algal species and referred to as a "Harmful Algal Bloom" (abbreviated as HAB), however non-toxic species can also bloom and harmlessly discolor the water. Adverse effects can likewise occur when algal cell concentrations are low and these cells are filtered from the water by shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, scallops, or small fish.
Source: Mark L. Wells, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine
Website: http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/blooms.htm
NSF Funded: Yes
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