Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring in New England

The HABON-NE (HAB Observing Network - New England) program is a network of advanced HAB sensors and deployment platforms deployed in New England coastal waters to provide continuous, real-time information about the diversity and abundance of multiple HAB species in the region. Through this program, an extensive sensor network will be deployed year-round with its observations shared as they are produced, improving protection of public health from toxic HABs while also promoting access to and health of natural resources for the fishing and tourism industries. Observations collected by the HABON-NE framework can help to improve situational awareness, direct state biotoxin testing, and support resource management decision-making. The project draws on the expertise of a multi-institutional team as well as volunteers from academic, state and industry groups from across the region.  Data and analytical products will be shared through the WHOI HAB Hub, an open source data portal for region-scale integration and sharing of HAB observations, as well as model outputs, shellfish toxicity data, and environmental data.

Visit the pages linked below to learn more about the HABON-NE program and how the network's autonomous sensors (Imaging FlowCytobot and the Environmental Sample Processor) are used for HAB surveillance.  The WHOI HAB Hub data portal is under development, but prototype data layers are currently accessible.