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Abstract

In recent years, harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been linked to human illness, massive die-offs of fish and shellfish populations, economic losses from decreased ocean-fishing, and ecological damage related to eutrophication and persistent disease of fish species. The most recent HAB event (August-September 2011) off the California coast caused severe economic and ecological impacts to local fisheries and ecosystems, but the exact special extent of the bloom is still unclear. This project focused on the August/ September 2011 HAB event using multiple NASA Earth observing resources in an effort to understand the magnitude and scope of this particular bloom. The knowledge gained from this study enables affected state agencies to accurately assess their impacts and predict future HAB events. Remotely-sensed MODIS images were used to measure ocean chlorophyll-α content and map the coverage and path of the HAB. Data from AVHRR and Jason-2 satellites allowed examination of the roles of salinity and sea surface height in HAB formation, and the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) modeled atmospheric and oceanic factors which could affect bloom movement. A Generalized Additive Model (GAM) later identified the environmental variables most statistically influential in HAB growth. The results from this study will assist the California Department of Public Health and Department of Fish and Game in mitigating and managing the impact of harmful algal blooms.

Biography

Maanya Condamoor is a 4th year at the University of California, Los Angeles, majoring in Environmental Science with minors in Environmental Engineering and Conservation Biology. In the summer of 2012, she participated in the DEVELOP Program at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, and worked on the California Coast Ecological Forecasting project, which used remote sensing and GIS to study red tides off the coast of central California. At UCLA, Maanya is involved in a variety of student organizations, including the Environmental Science Student Network, Engineers Without Borders, and the Education for Sustainable Living Program.