Abstract:
A team of marine biologists and researchers collected seaweed samples in Onslow County to study the levels of the toxic algae, Gambierdiscus, in North Carolina waters. The algaeās levels are much higher in warmer waters, so as water temperatures rise, tropical species like Gambierdiscus are migrating northward into nonnative areas. The toxins produced by Gambierdiscus do not hurt fish, but are harmful to humans. Studies like this will allow scientists to monitor the numbers of these algae populations and the potential risks as ocean water temperatures rise in the coming years.