KBNERR Harmful Algal Bloom Updates

Phytoplankton samples from the past two weeks have mostly been sparse. However, Peterson Bay, Bear Cove and Sadie’s Cove had moderate abundances of a variety of species present this week. We have also received this summers phytoplankton samples from our partners in Prince William Sound and are analyzing those. Information from Prince William Sound samples will be included in our annual report, however, please reach out if you are interested in knowing more about these phytoplankton samples.

Rosie and Jasmine will be participating in this year’s virtual Rotary Health Fair’s Facebook live event on November 10^th at 7pm. We will be sharing information on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) risks to human health, KBNERR’s phytoplankton monitoring program, and answering questions on these topics to increase community awareness of HABs.

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

During the past two weeks we have continued to see a variety of phytoplankton species present in Kachemak Bay. Although Seldovia and Homer Harbors have had few phytoplankton other sampling sites continue the trend from late September with abundant phytoplankton samples composed of a wide variety of species. We will continue to monitor phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay so long as weather conditions allow us to collect them safely.

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

Over the past two weeks phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay have been abundant at all the sites sampled. There are many different species of phytoplankton present without a single group dominating the samples. Some of the species have auxospores present, see image on the right, which are special cells used to restore cell size after many cell divisions leave cells smaller, they also are usually associated with sexual reproduction.

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

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.