Researchers identify viruses linked to Florida's red tides

Scientists may soon be able to predict when red algae blooms will occur. These blooms, known as red tides, can cause serious damage. They kill marine life and can harm human health. The blooms are influenced by factors like wind, water currents, and temperatures. Recent research off Florida's coast has identified several viruses linked to harmful algae blooms. Jean Lim, a researcher at the University of South Florida, stated that understanding these viruses can help explain how red tides start and stop. Red tides happen almost every year in Florida, usually from late summer to early fall. They can last three to five months and can lead to millions of dollars in losses. Last month, a red tide stretched over 200 miles from Tampa Bay to Key West. During the study, researchers collected samples of the algae, called Karenia brevis. They used a technique called viral metagenomics to analyze the viruses present. Although it is not yet clear how these viruses impact red tides, they could be critical for predicting future blooms. If researchers find that more viruses appear before a bloom, it might indicate that a red tide is about to start. This discovery could improve efforts to manage these harmful events in the future. The team's findings were published in the journal mSphere.