CCPO and ICAR
Spring 2026 Virtual Seminar Series
MONDAY, 2 March 2026
3:30 p.m.
The CCPO and Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR) seminar will be given by from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (flyer attached). Dr. Reece is an expert on toxicity of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species, with particular emphasis on HAB species in Chesapeake Bay. Her research is focused on developing molecular diagnostics that target HAB species and marine pathogens that infect oysters and finfish. Dr. Reece will present results that combine these research areas to understand the effects of different HAB species on oyster growth.
Dr. Eileen Hofmann will host Dr. Reece鈥檚 virtual seminar. There will be an informal discussion with Dr. Reece prior to the seminar starting at 3pm.
Please join via the seminar Zoom link above to talk with Dr. Reece and attend the seminar.
Title: Impacts and Patterns of Harmful Algal Blooms in the York River Region of Virginia
Abstract
Late summer blooms of harmful algal bloom species (HABs) occur many years in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Local oyster aquaculturists have reported mortalities during and immediately following these blooms. This prompted field and laboratory studies with larval and juvenile oysters to study effects of these HABs. Oysters exposed to blooms in the field experienced higher mortality and a reduced growth rate during and immediately following bloom events. Laboratory bioassays on juvenile and larval oysters demonstrated variable effects from different HAB species. Bloom patterns vary among years with differences in the extent and duration of blooms as well as species composition.
Biography
Kimberly Reece is a Professor of Marine Science at the Batten School of Coastal and Marine Sciences and VIMS of William & Mary. She was Chair of the Aquatic Health Sciences Department for 10 years. She received her BS in Microbiology from the University of Rochester and PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology from Cornell University. Kim is a molecular geneticist with a research program focused on the genetic and ecological characterization of harmful algal bloom (HAB) species and aquatic pathogens. She is particularly interested in understanding the effects that climate change and the associated environmental stressors are having on HABs and pathogens. She served on the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force for 25 years and works closely with the VA Department of Health to monitor HABs in Virginia鈥檚 coastal waters.
Previous seminars are available on CCPO/ICAR Seminar