Dr. Spencer Fire, an associate professor at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, is playing detective.
- $275,000 grant to study dolphin health in the Indian River Lagoon
- Organism normally found in freshwater spread toxins in lagoon
- The algae bloom spawned one of the worst fish kills in lagoon history
Fire is trying to find out why an organism called microsystis, normally found in freshwater, was able to spread toxins that spawned one of the worst fish kills ever recorded in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon.
The professor is now getting help to study how dolphins are affected by harmful — and sometimes deadly — algae blooms.
The focus is on larger animals like bottlenose dolphins.
Scientists like Fire call them a barometer of ocean and water health.
"Looking at tissues of dead, stranded animals throughout the Indian River Lagoon," Fire said. "Looking at fluids and tissues to see if we can detect the toxin."
Researchers are also checking out fish in dolphins' diet. They are fish that people eat, as well.
Fire is partnering with the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Vero Beach. The $275,000 research grant is paid for with Florida's Protect Wild Dolphins Specialty License Plate Fund.
The professor is now getting help to study how dolphins are affected by harmful — and sometimes deadly — algae blooms. (Greg Pallone, staff)