Developing a Smart Semantic Web With Linked Data and Models for Near-Real-Time Monitoring of Red Tides in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico

In recent decades, the technology used to detect and quantify harmful algal blooms (commonly known as red tides) and characterize their physicochemical environment has improved considerably. A remaining challenge is effective delivery of the information generated from these advances in a user-friendly way to a diverse group of stakeholders. Based on existing infrastructure, we establish a Web-based system for near-real-time tracking of red tides caused by the toxic dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, which annually threatens human and environmental health in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. The system integrates different data products through a custom-made Web interface. Specifically, three types of data products are fused: 1) near-real-time ocean color imagery tailored for red tide monitoring; 2) K. brevis cell abundance determined by sample analysis; and 3) ocean currents from a nested and validated numerical model. These products are integrated and made available to users in Keyhole Markup Language (KML) format, which can be navigated, interpreted, and overlaid with other products in Google Earth. This integration provides users with the current status of red tide occurrence (e.g., location, severity, and spatial extent) while presenting a simple way to estimate bloom trajectory, thus delivering an effective method for near-real-time tracking of red tides.

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].