ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Researchers at the University of South Florida have identified the viruses in red tide blooms for the first time.

What You Need To Know

  • Viruses in red tide blooms identified by USF researchers

  • Karenia Brevis is the algae that causes red tide

  • With this breakthrough, they hope to better predict blooms in the future. 

  • MORE: Q&A about red tide

Dr. Jean Lim, a scientific researcher at USF's College of Marine Science, said this is a major breakthrough. 

With the viruses identified, she said they can work to figure out which viruses are having an influence on red tide blooms.

"Our next step is to actually try to isolate these viruses in culture and try to look at their effects on Karenia brevis and maybe other microorganisms in the environment," she said.  

Currently, to identify red tide blooms, USF relies on satellite images of chlorophyll concentrations and field samples. 

With this research, Lim said they believe they'll be able to better predict red tide blooms in the future.

"We're hoping with this data we may be able to improve current models to better forecast and predict red tide in Florida," she said.  

Lim said in the future they may be able to identify the environmental factors that make red tide blooms disappear.