Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by marine microalgae, and they affect nearly all coastal regions of the world except the Antarctic. HABs are responsible for mass epizootics of marine life, for inducing toxicity in seafood sources that consumed by humans, and for contributing to the general degradation of the health of coastal environments. The toxins produced by HAB organisms are some of the most potent environmental contaminants known to man. Harmful Algal Blooms can be classified as "transient superfund sites."

HABLAB scientists have over $1.5 million annual research funding from the EPA, the NIH, the State of Florida, and NC Biotechnology Foundation. Their studies currently focus on Florida Red Tide, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning, and Pfiesteria studies.

The expertise of the HABLAB is specifically in microagal taxonomy and ecology, molecular mechanisms of toxicity, and toxin biosynthesis. HABLAB scientists serve on National and International committees concerned with seafood and water safety, and frequently are called upon for "rapid response" when new toxic episodes are observed in USA coastal waters.

• , Program Coordinator - pharmacology and toxicology
• , Professor - organic chemistry and biosynthesis
• , Professor - ecology and taxonomy
• , Post Doctoral Research Scientist
• , Associate Research Scientist
• , Post Doctoral Research Scientist
• , Post Doctoral Research Scientist
• , Post Doctoral Research Scientist