MONITORING AND UNDERSTANDING TOXIC CYANOBACTERIA AND COCHLODINIUM POLYKRIKOIDES BLOOMS IN SUFFOLK COUNTY (2014)

This study was initiated to address ongoing blooms of toxic cyanobacteria and Cochlodinium polykrikoides in Suffolk County waters. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microscopic organisms found in both marine and fresh water environments. The study completed summer monitoring of freshwater bathing beaches and seasonal monitoring of toxic lakes in Suffolk County to better understand cyanobacteria blooms. Cochlodinium polykrikoides is an emerging –red tide” algal bloom first noted in Suffolk County waters in 2004. The study researched the temperature tolerance, mechanism of toxicity, ability of Cochlodinium polykrikoides to form cysts, and the vulnerability of Suffolk County fish populations to Cochlodinium polykrikoides.