The Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (WHCOHH) will comprise a strong and integrated set
of research projects using novel in situ sampling technologies and modeling approaches to address harmful
algal bloom (HAB) dynamics, and mechanistic studies to expand understanding of HAB toxin effects. The
overall objective is to protect the public health through enhanced understanding of how oceanic and
environmental processes affect the population dynamics of toxin-producing organisms, and the risks from
exposure to their potent neurotoxins, a serious and potentially growing human health threat. The Center will
focus on two key HAB taxa: Alexandrium fundyense that produces the saxitoxins responsible for paralytic
shellfish poisoning (PSP), and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. that produce domoic acid responsible for amnesic
shellfish poisoning (ASP) syndrome. Novel, targeted, efficient, and data-rich sampling approaches developed
by the applicants and applied in situ have revealed that critical aspects of A. fundyense dynamics in natural
settings differ dramatically from those inferred from laboratory studies, and identified plasticity in these
processes. Project 1 will examine the physiological and behavioral factors of toxic Alexandrium species, and
how plasticity in these factors may underlie population adaptation in different habitats and different
environmental regimes. Project 2 will build on these new and fundamental insights into bloom regulation and
develop models to predict impacts of climate variation on population dynamics of HAB threats. Variability in
environmental forcing across years and among habitats will provide a proxy for future climate scenarios,
revealing responses of HABs in natural ecosystems, a key step toward improving predictive skill for this
recurrent public health risk, and quantify future risks. In companion studies we have identified specific cells in
the developing brain in the zebrafish model that are targets of HAB toxins. The novel cellular mechanisms
include effects of domoic acid on myelination of oligodendrocytes. We will define the consequences of
developmental, low-level exposure to HAB toxins, and determine the effects of combined exposure to saxitoxin
and domoic acid, and possible silent neurotoxicity, at different life stages, in the zebrafish model. The studies
address the scope of toxin effects in the developing central nervous system, potentially linking developmental
exposures to adult consequences. Novel linking of oceanic processes to human exposure will help define the
human risk due to these novel mechanisms. The Center structure will facilitate integration of the research, and
of research projects with education and community engagement activities, including with resource managers
and other stakeholders. We also will improve awareness of emerging HAB issues for the public health
community and develop new educational materials and interactive activities for K-12 classrooms, and for public
outreach. An Administrative Core will create a structure encouraging open discussion of planning, integration,
communication and engagement, and in which progress is rigorously evaluated.