KBNERR Harmful Algal Bloom Updates

Hello Everyone,

This week, apart from Jakolof, Kachemak Bay phytoplankton were sparse at all locations sampled. As mentioned last week low phytoplankton abundances during this time of year is a pattern we have observed in past years. We will continue to collect weekly phytoplankton samples but are switching to bi-weekly email updates for the remainder of the season, which means the next update will be emailed out on September 24^th.

As always, reach out with any questions.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here.

Hello Everyone,

This week Kachemak Bay phytoplankton were sparse at almost all sampled locations. In 2018 & 2019 we saw a similar abundance fluctuation during the same time period in the inner bay, one week of abundant phytoplankton in late August preceded and followed by several weeks of sparse phytoplankton. We shall see what next week looks like.

Although Dinophysis is present at most sample sites this week it was far below bloom levels at all sample locations.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here.

This week in Halibut Cove a Dinophysis bloom was observed. Dinophysis spp. are species of concern that can produce okadaic acid which can lead to diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) when toxic shellfish are consumed. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning is a gastrointestinal illness with symptoms similar to food poisoning such as: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms can occur within 30 minutes to a few hours after consuming toxic shellfish. There have been no fatal cases of DSP.

KBNERR along with our local and state partners are working closely together to monitor the Dinophysis spp. abundances in Kachemak Bay. Additional information on Dinophysis spp. and DSP can be found in the second attachment, NOAA PMN Factsheet Dinophysis spp, on this week’s email update.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here.

Hello Everyone,

This week we have results to share from our wild shellfish toxin testing program. Blue mussels collected from Homer Harbor on 8/10/2020 were below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins, the toxin that can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

Commercially harvested shellfish are regulated by Alaska DEC and considered safe for consumption.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data,click here.

Hello Everyone,

This week in the inner bay phytoplankton continues to be sparse. During August of 2018 and 2019 the inner bay experienced a similar decrease in phytoplankton abundances. The outer bay samples were also predominantly sparse this week, except for Tutka Bay and Sadie Cove which had more numerous phytoplankton although no single species dominated in either bay. We will continue with weekly phytoplankton monitoring into September.

Please reach out to us with any questions.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here.

This week we have results to share from our wild shellfish toxin testing program. Blue mussels collected from China Poot on July 16th were below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins, the toxin that can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

Commercially harvested shellfish are monitored by DEC and considered safe for consumption.

For more information on this Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here.