Sail-powered research vessel launched into Lake Okeechobee to study algae blooms

FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute launched its Navocean vessel Tuesday morning from the Pahokee Marina into Lake Okeechobee.It’s a sail-powered mini boat that will travel across the lake via determined plot points to collect data that will help researchers better understand harmful algae blooms.

They have already collected data off Sanibel Island for red tide. This time, they’re studying the blue green algae in the fresh water of Lake Okeechobee.

They’re looking for evidence of algae blooms in the water and examining additional environmental factors like water salinity, temperature and organic matter in the water.

Video and more info here.