Preventing HABs
7- day forecast for HABs in 2 steps:
HABForecastr
Pigments + Shape + Machine Learning = Identifies the species and population size
EnviroSenr
Environmental Indicators +
Population Modeling = Time of Bloom
Figure 1: Anatomy of HABForecastr
Figure 2 Spirulina algae fluorescing red under ultra violet LED light.
Figure 3: Bounding boxes around algae particles
How Does it Work?
1. LED Lights:
We use a series of flashing LEDs to create a thin lightsheet. As algae pass through, they fluoresce—glow in response to specific wavelengths which helps us identify them.
This light passes through an objective lens, forming a magnified image of the algae. Our camera (HABForecastr) captures eight separate images—one for each LED color—giving us a detailed fluorescent fingerprint of the organism (Figure 1&2).
2. Classification AI:
Our classification algorithm analyzes these images by drawing bounding boxes around fluorescing algae, distinguishing them from debris. Using machine learning, it then classifies each organism based on its morphology—the shape of the algae. (Figure 3)
- No interference with other organisms
- Automated specimen counting
3. Time of Bloom:
With data collected from the EnviroSenr, imaging + growth rate algorithm will predict a harmful algal bloom and send real-time alerts directly to users through our Aqualyzr App.
Benefits:
Today’s tools identify algal blooms only after they’ve formed—by then it may already be too late. What many don’t know is that HABs can double in size every day, rapidly worsening the impact. It’s like trying to rebuild a town in the middle of a hurricane instead of preparing before the storm hits. That’s why our solution is early-forecasting and intervention: we act before the crisis reaches the shore, when prevention costs are just a fraction of the future damage.
Saves Money
HAB clean-up efforts cost tens of millions of dollars, but preventing one costs thousands.
Remedial Response
Treatments to eliminate growth factors:
1. Clay (binds to algae and sinks them safely)
2. Turmeric (stunts their growth)
3. Manipulation of nutrient levels in coastal waters through pollution control policies
Figure 4: Limiting algae growth graph
Figure 5: Shellfish farmers harvesting oysters
Shellfish Harvesting
Most shellfish are filter feeders: they pull water through their bodies (gills and and cilia—tiny hair‑like structures). Because shellfish continuously filter water, they may accumulate harmful levels of toxins from HABs before any discoloration or visible bloom occurs. With a preventive device, farmers get an early warning. With more lead time, they can:
- Harvest earlier - before toxin levels cross safety thresholds
- Avoid forced shutdowns
- Avoid discarding contaminated shellfish
Deployment Options
Tethered Use Case
Submerge the device in a lake, reservoir, or stream = immediate images on our Aqualyzr App
Remote Use Case
Attached to a buoy or a submarine = Through StarLink (satellite internet service) we send data and deliver predictions onshore
Figure 6: Tethered use case