- Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Gerardo Chin-Leo (biological oceanography) Major areas of study include marine ecology, marine phycology and oceanography. Upper-division credit will be awarded for upper-division work. Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students welcome. Prerequisites: One year of college-level biology and one quarter of general chemistry. Micro algae account for most of the plant biomass and production in aquatic systems. Recently, coastal waters worldwide have experienced an apparent increase in the occurrence of large concentrations (blooms) of harmful algal species. Blooms of toxic algal species (e. g. red tides) can cause direct mortality of fish and shellfish. Other organisms, including humans, can be indirectly affected through the consumption of contaminated seafood. Large blooms of non-toxic species can also have negative impacts on aquatic habitats by shading benthic plants and by interfering with the activities of other organisms. Furthermore, if these algal blooms are not grazed or diluted, their decomposition can deplete the dissolved oxygen in the water, causing the mortality of plants and animals. This program will examine these interactions. We will study the taxonomy and ecology of harmful algal species, the environmental factors controlling the abundance and productivity of aquatic algae and the possible role of human activities in causing the increase of harmful algal blooms. In addition, we will examine the efforts of scientists and government agencies to monitor harmful algal blooms and to control their impact on fisheries and public health. The material will be presented through lectures, seminar discussion of books and scientific articles and student research projects. There will be labs to learn methods in phycology, microscopy and seawater analysis as well as field trips to local estuaries. Total: 16 credits. Enrollment: 25 Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in marine sciences, environmental studies, biology and ecology. This program is also listed under Environmental Studies.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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