I. Introduction
In RECENT decades, the frequency, spatial extent, and economic effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs), commonly known as red tides, have increased worldwide [1]– [3]. In the eastern Gulf of Mexico, blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis occur nearly annually, can extend over large areas (hundreds of square kilometers), and can persist as long as 23 months [4]. Blooms can result in fish kills and marine mammal mortalities [5]– [7], as well as human illnesses. Specifically, humans can experience respiratory irritation from inhaling aerosolized algal toxins or can contract Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning from the consumption of contaminated shellfish [8], [9]. The financial costs associated with such blooms in the fishery, public health, recreation, and tourism sectors are estimated to be 80 million per year [10]. Many of these costs are incurred along Florida's Gulf Coast. For example, during a moderate red tide season (2002–2003), Florida aquaculture and oyster industries lost an estimated 6 M as a result of shellfish bed closures intended to protect public health [11].