Phytoplankton ecology and physiology, dynamics of dinoflagellate and Harmful Algal Blooms, measurements of in situ growth rates, phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions, benthic microalgal production and biomass, benthic filter feeders related to bloom dynamics. More recently two projects are underway to assess the impact of phycotoxins on sea birds, shore birds and raptors.

Selected Publications

Vargo, G.A., C. A. Heil, K. Fanning, L.K. Dixon, M.B. Neely, K. Lester, D. Ault, S. Murasko, J. Havens, J. Walsh, and S. Bell. In Press. Nutrient Availability in support of Karenia brevis blooms on the central West Florida Shelf: What keep Karenia blooming? Continental Shelf Reserach.

Landsberg, J.H., G. A. Vargo, L. J. Flewelling, F. E. Wiley. 2007. Chpt. 23, Algal Biotoxins; pp. 431-455, In: N.J. Thomas, D.B. Hunter, and C.T. Atkinson (eds.), Infectious Diseases of Wild Birds. Blackwell Press.

Vargo, G.A., K. Atwood, M. van Deventer, R. Harris. 2006. Beached Bird Surveys on Shell Key, Pinellas County, Florida. Florida Field Naturalist 34:21-27

Vargo, G.A., C.A. Heil, D.N. Ault, M.B. Neely, S. Murasko, J. Havens, K.M. Lester, K. Dixon, R. Merkt, J. Walsh, R. Weisberg, K.A. Steidinger. Four Karenia brevis blooms: A comparative analysis. Pp. 14-16, In: Proceedings of the Xth International Conference on Harmful Algal Blooms, K.A. Steidinger, J. Landsberg, C.R. Tomas, and G.A. Vargo (eds.). FL. Fish Wildlif. Conser. Comm. And Intergov. Oceanogr. Comm. Of UNESCO.

Hewson, I., G.A. Vargo, J.A. Fuhrman. 2003. Bacterial diversity in shallow oligotrophic marine benthos and overlying waters: Effects of virus infection, containment, and nutrient enrichment. Microbial Ecol. 46: 322-336.

Okey, T.A., G.A. Vargo, S. Mackinson, M.Vasconcellos, B. Mahmoudi, C.A. Meyer. Simulating community effects of sea floor shading by plankton blooms over the West Florida Shelf. Ecol. Modelling: 172: 339-359

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