FAU Harbor Branch News

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July 2023

Photography by Brian LaPointe, Ph.D.

Sewage Fueling Nitrogen Surge in Indian River Lagoon

New research from FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that the root cause of harmful algal blooms, including brown tides, in the northern Indian River Lagoon is the result of pollution from septic system runoff.

The study assessed the efficacy of mandatory wet season fertilizer blackouts as a remedy for restoring the lagoon. Researchers collected seawater and macroalgal samples at 20 sites prior to and about five years after the institution of the bans. They used stable nitrogen isotope values to discriminate between sewage, rainfall and fertilizer, providing a unique “fingerprint” of the samples they collected. Analysis found greater nitrogen enrichment after fertilizer bans had been in effect. Samples from a post-ban brown algae bloom in the Banana River showed the culprit was partially treated wastewater.

“Our comparative pre- versus post-ban nutrient data indicate that the wet season fertilizer blackouts were not as effective as hoped,” said Brian Lapointe, Ph.D., senior author and a research professor at FAU Harbor Branch. “Our findings also suggest that the increasing concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus observed in some segments of the lagoon following five years of fertilizer bans would support the worsening trend of algal blooms.”

FAU and NASA Partner with SeaPRISM Sensors

A robotic light sensor helps Harbor Branch scientists and water managers train the eyes of satellites on algal blooms in some of the state’s iconic inland and coastal waterways. The sensor is called the SeaPRISM, ant it’s part of a field network of just 23 such stations across the world managed by NASA for validating data from ocean-observing satellites.

A SeaPRISM sensor was stationed at Lake Okeechobee to observe blooms of toxic cyanobacteria. Lake Okeechobee is one of the largest lakes in the U.S., making it a good candidate for satellite observation because getting a full picture of bloom conditions on a lake so large is impossible with traditional water quality monitoring methods.

Harbor Branch’s work with SeaPRISM data helped show how effectively atmospheric signal can be removed from satellite data from Lake Okeechobee, as well as what could be done to improve those calculations. The sensor’s perspective was also useful for detecting algae conditions that would be too turbid for underwater chlorophyll sensors.

The Great Seaweed Invasion

Brian LaPointe, Ph.D., a research professor from FAU Harbor Branch, is featured in the recently released documentary “The Great Seaweed Invasion,” which is now streaming on Curiosity Stream.

The film documents a giant mass of floating seaweed that is invading popular beaches in the U.S. and Caribbean. At sea, the sargassum belt is a floating ecosystem, but when it hits the shore it turns toxic. Scientists are figuring out how to protect the coast while tracking and studying this natural wonder.

Watch Now.

Outreach

FAU Harbor Branch Partners with Boys & Girls Clubs

This summer, nearly 400 campers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County will get their sea legs — and a new appreciation for marine science and their local environment —with FAU Harbor Branch aboard the university’s state-of-the-art pontoon, the “Discovery.”

The partnership gives children the opportunity to explore and learn more about the Indian River Lagoon in a hands-on, immersive environment. For many of the Boys & Girls Clubs members, this was their first experience on a boat. Not only did they get a taste of what it means to be a marine scientist, they got to see a different view of what makes their community special.

“The Indian River Lagoon is an amazing ecosystem, home to thousands of plants and animals,” said Gabby Barbarite, Ph.D., director of outreach and engagement at FAU Harbor Branch. “We are so excited to share our knowledge, passions and important research underway with these children through our new program.”

See the Boys & Girls Clubs members in action aboard the "Discovery."

Watch

In case you missed it: Harbor Branch's public boat tours were featured on the "Shining A Light" segment on WPTV and WFLX.

Dolphin Spotting Stations

FAU Harbor Branch invites waterfront property owners to participate in the land-based Dolphin Spotter citizen science project by hosting a spotting station. As dolphins swim past the camera, it takes a motion-detected image of their dorsal fins when they break the surface. This allows for 24/7 monitoring of dolphins throughout the lagoon.

Be a Dolphin Spotter

Anyone can be a Dolphin Spotter. Taking photos of dolphins sighted from the shore can help scientific research.

Submit photos to the FAU Harbor Branch's Dolphin Spotter project, a land-based citizen science project, and become a certified citizen scientist.

Learn more.

Fin of the Month: Frst

Frst was first sighted by the HBOI Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment team in December 2020 and was named because she was the first dolphin entered into the team’s database. Frst has been seen a total of 16 times, mostly in the southern Indian River Lagoon.

If a member of the public sees dolphins while out on the water, remember to stay 50 yards away. To report a marine mammal in distress, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline, 888-404-3922.

Photo ID work is permitted under NOAA NMFS LOC #23069 and stranding response is conducted under a Stranding Agreement with NMFS and FAU Harbor Branch under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

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