KBNERR Harmful Algal Bloom Updates

We are still seeing some phytoplankton in our samples. None of our samples had any species with elevated numbers but we are still seeing a variety. We will be continuing to sample the Homer Harbor weekly throughout the winter but otherwise will only be taking phytoplankton samples opportunistically. We invite everyone to join us for a lunch lecture tomorrow at the Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer for a presentation on Harmful Algal Blooms in Kachemak Bay and South-Central Alaska.

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

This week phytoplankton is sparse in the Inner and Outer Bay. The low levels of phytoplankton in the Outer Bay differs from previous years when we have seen Mixed Diatoms at more abundant levels during this time period. We will continue to monitor phytoplankton and send out bi-weekly updates through the fall.

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

This week we are seeing phytoplankton at lower levels as fall settles in on Kachemak Bay. For the first time since June phytoplankton is sparse at Outer Bay sites. We will continue weekly phytoplankton sampling and analysis through October with bi-weekly email updates. However, the shellfish toxin testing program is wrapping up for the season.

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

This week we did another round of toxin testing of wild blue mussels. Blue Mussels from Homer Harbor and Kasitsna Bay are both below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins. However, the Kasitsna Bay blue mussel saxitoxin level has come up from previous values this summer. This is a cautionary note as we could see toxin levels continue to rise in the coming weeks, or it may drop back down. We will be tracking this and send out updates as we have more information. KBNERR is not a regulatory agency and harvesting wild shellfish in Alaska is considered ‘dig at your own risk’. All commercially harvested shellfish are regulated by the DEC and considered safe for consumption.

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

We have the results in from our wild shellfish toxin testing program! The blue mussels collected from Homer Harbor on 8/9/2019 came in below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins. KBNERR is not a regulatory agency and harvesting wild shellfish in Alaska is considered ‘dig at your own risk’. All commercially harvested shellfish are regulated by the DEC and considered safe for consumption.

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

It is a relatively quiet week for phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay; we are seeing sparse levels of phytoplankton from most of the sites in the Inner Bay. However, Pseudo-nitzschia is blooming in Homer Harbor. In the Outer Bay at Kasitsna Bay and Port Graham the phytoplankton is abundant with Pseudo-nitzschia, and Lauderia competing at bloom levels.
We will be testing wild shellfish next week and hope to have preliminary results to report out to you all in next week’s Weekly Update.

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