Investigating a new threat to the Inland Bays

In the past decade, an unwelcome cast of characters has appeared in Delaware's Inland Bays. First it was Pfiesteria, then red tide, then brown tide. Then in 2000, Chattonella came on the scene, implicated as "a contributing factor" in a massive fish kill in Bald Eagle Creek.

Chattonella and its companions are Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) species -- microscopic plants that can multiply rapidly, or "bloom," with often-devastating results for marine life. Some HAB species, like Chattonella, release toxins dangerous to fish and humans.

During the next two years, UD marine scientists Mark Warner and David Hutchins will be working to find out what conditions trigger Chattonella blooms and exploring methods to control future outbreaks.

"Lots of different algae live in our coastal waters," Warner says. "The algae that bloom are often superior competitors for available light and nutrients."

In addition to examining how Chattonella responds to various light and nutrient levels, the scientists want to identify the bacteria and viruses that attack Chattonella in its natural environment.

"Such native biological controls may lead to practical ways of containing Chattonella blooms in the future," Hutchins notes.