KBNERR Harmful Algal Bloom Updates

This will be the last KBNERR Phytoplankton Update for 2021. This week we saw an increase in abundance of Pseudo-nitzschia at two sample locations, Eldred passage and Peterson Bay. Pseudo-nitzschia sp. can produce domoic acid and cause amnesiac shellfish poisoning when toxic shellfish are consumed. Cell counts for all three species of concern are used to determine abundance classification. It is not unusual for Pseudo-nitzschia to reach these density levels in Kachemak Bay during the sampling season. To date in Alaska there are no reported cases of amnesiac shellfish poisoning in humans.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Oct 1st – Oct 7th.

Fall is here, the trees have on their golden cloaks and frosting mornings are becoming common throughout the bay. We are also nearing the end of the season for KBNERR Weekly Phytoplankton Updates as temperatures drop and days become shorter. For this week we can share that we saw a variety of diatoms in Homer Harbor and last week phytoplankton in Seldovia Harbor were sparse.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Sept 17th – Sept 30th.

This week Homer Harbor has sparse phytoplankton and is the only phytoplankton sample we have to report on. With the change in weather and season we anticipate few samples will be collected in the remaining weeks of September, therefore we shall switch to biweekly updates. The next KBNERR phytoplankton update will be sent on September 30^th.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Sept 10th – Sept 16th.

This week inner bay phytoplankton samples are sparse.  This sparsity of phytoplankton in early September at inner Kachemak Bay sites has been consistently observed since 2018. Late September phytoplankton abundance and species composition has been less consistent during the same time. We shall see what the phytoplankton do this year and will keep you all informed with Weekly Updates through the end of September.  

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Sept 3rd – Sept 9th.

This week in the Homer Harbor Skeletonema sp. is still at bloom level. Other inner bay sites, China Poot and Halibut Cove, Skeletonema sp. are the most dominant phytoplankton this week although not blooming at those locations. Weekly phytoplankton updates will continue through September.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug 27th – Sept 2nd.

This week we saw the diatom Skeletonema sp. blooming in Homer Harbor and Peterson Bay. Skeletonema sp. are found worldwide and often present in Kachemak bay, cells are connected to adjoining cells by “knuckles” on threads extending between the cells. Skeletonema sp.are considered a good food source for oysters and zooplankton.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug 20th – Aug 26th.

This week we saw a variety of phytoplankton throughout Kachemak Bay at most sampling sites. Homer Harbor and China Poot are the two exceptions both having sparse phytoplankton this week. In outer Kachemak Bay diatoms were dominant at most sites.   

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug 13th – Aug 19th.

This week there was sparse phytoplankton at the locations sampled, Seldovia, Peterson Bay, and Homer Harbor. Sparse phytoplankton in mid-August in past years is not unusual and has been followed by weeks of more abundant phytoplankton before winter sets in. We shall see what this year brings.  

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 30th – Aug 5th.

Happy August everyone! This week outer Kachemak Bay sites have an abundance of phytoplankton present with bloom levels in Seldovia and Eldred passage. In inner Kachemak Bay Halibut Cove had sparse phytoplankton after experiencing bloom levels of Chaetoceros sp. last week.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 30th – Aug 5th.

Hello Everyone,

This week we continued to see a variety of phytoplankton species present in samples from the inner and outer bay. Dactyliosolen sp. dominated several sites in outer Kachemak Bay and Chaetoceros spp. were blooming in Halibut Cove. Chaetoceros spp. have spines that can clog gills in fishes. This can be problematic for fishes held in net pens when they are unable to swim away from a bloom, however Chaetoceros spp. do not produce any toxins.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 23rd – July 29th.

Hello Everyone,

This week we saw a variety of phytoplankton species present in samples from the inner and outer bay with different groups dominating in different sub-bays. Halibut Cove phytoplankton was dominated by two different phytoplankton blooms, Chaetoceros sp. and Rhizosolenia sp.. The only other years Rhizosolenia sp. was the dominant phytoplankton in inner Kachemak Bay during July were 2014 and 2016.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 16th – July 22nd.

We have relatively few samples to report out on this week. However, each of the three locations sampled had abundant phytoplankton with Chaetoceros sp. dominating the inner bay sites.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 9th – July 15th.

This was a short week with the Fourth of July Holiday and relatively few phytoplankton samples to report out on this week. Phytoplankton are abundant this week in the samples from most of the inner bay sites collected this week. 

The Alaska Harmful Bloom Network (AHAB) 2020 HAB Summary by region is complete and available on the AHAB website. You will also find the 2019 HAB Summary by region there.    

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for July 2nd – July 8th.

This week phytoplankton in the inner bay were sparse at all the sites sampled. We did see Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis species, two species of concern, present in low abundances in almost all the inner bay samples. A group of phytoplankton is considered present if at least one cell of that group is seen in the sample. We monitor the abundances of the three species of concern with specific criteria to provide valuable information to shellfish harvesters of all types and public health officials to protect human health in our communities. KBNERR is not a regulatory agency, the statewide stance toward harvesting and consumption of wild shellfish is “Dig at your own risk”.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for June 25th – July 1st.

This week Peterson Bay phytoplankton is again dominated by the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa sp.. while other inner bay sampling sites varied in phytoplankton diversity and abundance. The outer bay samples all had sparse phytoplankton this week.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for June 18th – June 24th.

Phytoplankton samples from inner and outer Kachemak Bay have more phytoplankton overall than last week. We are seeing an abundant amount of Heterocapsa spp. in Peterson Bay. This dinoflagellate is one of the smaller ones we see in Kachemak Bay. Heterocapsa is similar to Scrippsiella spp., which was abundant in Peterson Bay last week. These two phytoplankton can be differentiated by the asymmetrical horn and conical epitheca on Heterocapsa sp. as well as its small size, see illustration by Conrad Field for comparison. In outer Kachemak Bay Chaetoceros socialis was abundant both in Kasitsna Bay and Eldred Passage. 

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for June 11th – June 17th.

Phytoplankton samples from inner and outer Kachemak Bay have been primarily sparse. We are seeing an abundant amount of Scrippsiella spp. in Peterson Bay. This dinoflagellate looks similar to Alexandrium spp., the harmful algal bloom genus that we keep track of, except for a few differences. Scrippsiella spp. has a pointed epitheca and it’s cingulum is in alignment. Check out this great illustration done by Conrad Field for reference. For more information about the phytoplankton we are keeping track of check out our updated guide at: https://accs.uaa.alaska.edu/wp-content/uploads/KBNERR-Phytoplankton-Guide-2021.pdf

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for June 4th – June 10th.

This week the phytoplankton were abundant at all the locations sampled. In inner Kachemak Bay a dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa, was the most abundant group in Peterson Bay, while mixed Chaetoceros species were the dominant group in Homer Harbor. In contrast, the outer Kachemak Bay phytoplankton samples had a wide variety of diatoms present without any one group dominating the sample.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for May 28th – June 3rd.

Many of you may have noticed a striking red color in some areas of Kachemak Bay during the last week.  KBNERR staff was able to collect phytoplankton samples over the weekend during this event and find out it was this little non-toxic marine ciliate, Mesodinium rubrum!

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for May 14th – May 27th.

Phytoplankton samples from inner and outer Kachemak Bay have been sparse. Although the number of phytoplankton in the samples has been low the diversity has increased over the past two weeks. In the sample from Seldovia Harbor from April 29^th we saw several representatives of the diatom Triceratium.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for April 30^th – May 13th, 2021.

Spring is here and time to share our first phytoplankton update of 2021!

Since our last update in October of 2020 we collected regular samples from the Homer Harbor and received samples from Seldovia Harbor from our partners at Seldovia Village Tribe. Throughout the winter months Homer and Seldovia Harbors had low numbers of phytoplankton.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Nov. 2020 to April 2021

Click here to access the 2020 HAB report.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Oct. 9th – Oct. 22nd.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Sep. 25th – Oct. 8th.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Sep. 11th – Sep. 24th.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug. 28th – Sep. 3rd.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug. 21st – Aug. 27th.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug. 14th – Aug. 20th.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Aug. 7th – Aug. 13th.

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.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jul. 31st – Aug. 6th.

Hello Everyone,

As July ends and we welcome August we are in the time of year that we have typically seen more toxin producing phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay. There are three species of concern in Kachemak Bay that can produce toxins and lead to shellfish poisoning when shellfish accumulate these species, they are Alexandrium, Dinophysis and Pseudo-nitzschia. In Alaska the presence of these species has not yet been associated with any change in the color of the water. A few factors that can influence the color of our coastal waters are run-off, spruce pollen or other pollens, and tidal changes. To date harmful algal blooms in Kachemak Bay have not been associated with changes in water color. Toxins produced by harmful algal blooms are accumulated and flushed from shellfish tissue at different rates depending on the shellfish species. Mussels for example tend to accumulate toxins relatively rapidly and flush them over several days. This contrasts with the butter clam that can accumulate toxins and remain toxic for up to 2 years. Washing, cooking and freezing do not break down the toxins in shellfish tissue.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jul. 24th – Jul. 30th.

A relatively quiet week to report out on the phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay. This week we continue to see dinoflagellates be the most numerous group of phytoplankton in the samples. Peterson Bay sample is dominated by Protoperidinium sp., a dinoflagellate, while other samples didn’t have a single dominant dinoflagellate species this week.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jul. 17th – Jul. 23rd.

We have a lot to report out on this week. We are saddened to share that the Alaska Department of Health and Social Science (DHSS) has issued a Public Service Announcement due to a recent death in Alaska from Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. The full announcement is attached to the weekly email. Please take a few minutes to read this announcement, it includes important information from DHSS and resources regarding the harvest of wild shellfish in Alaska. As always you can contact us with questions as well, and Rosie has set up virtual office hours this Friday, July 17th, 9 to noon to take questions over the phone. KBNERR’s office is still not open for in person visitors, so please reach out via phone: 907-235-1598 or email: jrmaurer@alaska.edu or rmmasui@alaska.edu

We also have results to share from our wild shellfish toxin testing program. The wild blue mussels came in well below the regulatory limit; however, the toxin level in the butter clams was near the limit considered safe for consumption. We will continue to monitor wild shellfish and report out results as they become available to us.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jul. 10th – Jul. 16th.

This week we started seeing a relative increase in the number of dinoflagellates in the samples. Dinoflagellates are a group of phytoplankton that use flagella, long whip like structures, to move around. Alexandrium sp. and Dinophysis sp. are both dinoflagellates. Chaetoceros sp. are at bloom levels again in Eldred Passage and Tutka Bay. Overall, the samples this week have abundant phytoplankton from a diverse number of species.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jul. 4th – Jul. 9th.

Happy Fourth of July! And what a positive weather forecast we have for the long weekend ahead of us. This week we are seeing a decline in the number of Chaetoceros sp. in the samples although Chaetoceros sp. remain the most dominant phytoplankton in many areas. This is a common occurrence as we enter July, and as always we are curious to see which species dominate in the weeks ahead.

You may also notice the that many of our samples have species of concern, Dinophysis, Pseudo-nitzschia, or Alexandrium, “present”. Present means we saw at least one cell of a species of concern in the sample. We keep close track of the species of concern and will include additional information in our updates should we observe concentrations of a species of concern that reach abundant or bloom levels. 

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

This week we have wild razor clam toxin testing results to report. Toxin levels were below the regulatory limit considered safe for consumption. Commercially harvested shellfish are regulated by DEC and considered safe for consumption.

This week Chaetoceros sp. dominated in the Inner and Outer Bay. The Inner Bay phytoplankton samples in the years 2009-2013 also had Chaetoceros sp. dominating for many weeks during this same time period May – June. In the Outer Bay the same seasonal trend of Chaetoceros sp. dominating among the phytoplankton was seen in the years 2014, 2017, and 2018.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Jun. 12th – Jun. 18th.

We have wild shellfish toxin testing results to report again this week. Toxin levels were below the regulatory limit considered safe for consumption in the blue mussels from Homer Harbor we submitted for testing. Commercially harvested shellfish are regulated by DEC and considered safe for consumption.

KBNERR website is up and running again, with resources covering HAB species in detail, past weekly updates and links to the KBNERR YouTube channel which has additional resources for monitors. This week in the Inner and Outer Bay Chaetoceros sp. continue to dominate reaching bloom levels in many areas

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

We have results back from our first round of wild shellfish toxin testing this summer. Toxin levels were below the regulatory limit considered safe for consumption for both samples we submitted for testing.

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

Phytoplankton samples throughout Kachemak Bay over the past two weeks have been dominated by Chaetoceros sp. In Outer Kachemak Bay several of the sub-bays are experiencing Chaetoceros sp. blooms this week. Chaetoceros sp. do not produce toxins, however, they do have long spines on each cell and form straight or curly chains. The spines on Chaetoceros cells can get caught in fish gills and cause irritation. This can be fatal if fish aren’t able to swim away from areas with high densities of Chaetoceros sp., such as when fish are held in net pens. For this reason, phytoplankton monitoring is one tool used by hatcheries to optimize smolt health and inform the timing of release for stocked runs.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for May 22nd – Jun. 4th.

The phytoplankton in Kachemak Bay continue to be abundant in many areas over the past two weeks. In the Inner Bay there was an abundance of mixed diatoms, while the Outer Bay had Chaetoceros spp. dominating consistently over the past two weeks (Chaetoceros spp. also are diatoms).

As summer gets kicked off this weekend we want to take a moment to highlight the main goal of the program, which is to look for groups of phytoplankton that are known to carry toxins that can result in shellfish poisoning in humans and other animals.

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for May 8th – May 21st.

Hello Everyone!

May is here and the phytoplankton have been abundant in many sub-bays over the past several weeks. During the first few days of May the phytoplankton in Homer Harbor were abundant with Thalassiosira sp. at bloom levels. Samples have also had many larvae from marine invertebrates including this larval form of a Polychaete species (segmented marine worm).

Additional information, including qualitative analysis of phytoplankton data, is available in the Phytoplankton Update for Apr. 23rd – May 7th.

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After a snowy winter, spring is here and time to share our first phytoplankton update of 2020! We collected weekly samples from the Homer Harbor on the weeks the harbor wasn’t frozen over, and what a sight that was! Throughout the winter months Homer Harbor had low numbers of phytoplankton, with a small increase in diatoms taking advantage of the longer days the past few weeks.

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

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Our samples from the Homer Harbor were sparse over the last two weeks. Most of the species observed are represented by a single individual on the slide. Sparse samples during this period of the year are common; see the phenology charts below, the blue represents weeks of sparse phytoplankton.

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

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Last week we saw the phytoplankton in Homer Harbor increase in diversity and abundance, especially the dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates are a diverse group of single celled organisms that include Alexandrium and Dinophysis. The Greek root dinos, “whirling”, describes their distinctive swimming pattern when observed live under the microscope.

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

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A variety of phytoplankton species are present in our samples this week at low levels. Homer Harbor will be sampled weekly throughout the winter and we will continue opportunistically taking phytoplankton samples at other locations.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The preliminary results from last week’s wild shellfish toxin testing are in! All samples are below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins, the toxin that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). 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.

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Phytoplankton samples this week are dominated by Pseudo-nitzschia and Chaetoceros sp. in both the Inner and Outer bay. Pseudo-nitzschia is at bloom levels in the samples from Sadie Cove and Peterson Bay. We have started to see larger amounts of Alexandrium in our samples and are awaiting shellfish toxin testing results. We should have these results by tomorrow and will send out an extra update this week if any of them come back above the regulatory limit

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

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Hello Everyone,

This week Pseudo-nitzschia continues to dominate samples throughout Kachemak Bay. Pseudo-nitzschia is at bloom levels in Halibut Cove, Peterson Bay, and Jakolof Bay. Similarly Pseudo-nitzschia dominated samples during July in 2014 & 2017. As a reminder Pseudo-nitzschia can produce domoic acid which can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning when toxic shellfish are consumed. Domoic acid also impacts seabirds, fishes and marine mammals, causing lethargy, disorientation, seizures and even death. Please let us know if you observe animals in unusual places or exhibiting unusual behavior. As always we recommend leaving these animals alone. Stranded marine mammals can be reported to the Marine Mammal stranding network by calling 1-888-774-7325.

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

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Hi all,
This week we saw elevated numbers of Pseudo-nitzchia in Kachemak Bay, with it reaching bloom levels in Halibut Cove and Peterson Bay. Pseudo-nitzchia can produce domoic acid which can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning when toxic shellfish are consumed. Domoic acid also impacts seabirds, fishes and marine mammals, causing lethargy, disorientation, seizures and even death. Please let us know if you observe animals in unusual places or exhibiting unusual behavior. As always we recommend leaving these animals alone. Stranded marine mammals can be reported to the Marine Mammal stranding network by calling 1-888-774-7325.

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

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Happy 4th of July! This week we joined our Fish and Game partners for their clam surveys in Kachemak Bay, allowing us to collect samples for our wild shellfish toxin testing program. We expect to have those results to share with you all in next week’s weekly update. The phytoplankton samples from the Inner Bay continue to be sparse. This is in contrast to what we observed in the Outer Bay samples with Chaetoceros sp. dominating and even reaching bloom levels at Kastisna Bay.

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

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The results from last weeks wild shellfish testing are in. The blue mussels and razor clams sampled from locations in Lower Cook Inlet and Kachemak Bay were under the regulatory limit for saxitoxins. However, we want to notify you that wild shellfish tested from locations in Southeast Alaska, Kodiak and the Aleutians have had high levels of toxins, well above the limits considered safe for consumption. Please review the Press Release on shellfish toxins from the Department of Health and Social Services that was developed in partnership with multiple organizations involved in the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network and KBNERR.

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

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Department of Health and Social Services Press Release

Although it was a slow week with the phytoplankton, things were busy with the shellfish! We joined local Fish and Game staff to collect razor clams for toxin analysis from both sides of Cook Inlet this week. Mussel samples from Homer Harbor and Kasitsna Bay are also being collected to be sent off for analysis by DEC’s Environmental Health Laboratory in Anchorage on Monday. We will be reporting on those results next week.

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

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We have the results in from our wild shellfish toxin testing program! The razor clams and blue mussels both came in below the regulatory limit for saxitoxins which can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning. We’ll be doing our next round of sampling in two weeks. KBNERR is not a regulatory agency and the consumption of wild shellfish in Alaska is considered ‘dig at your own risk’. Samples are analyzed for toxicity levels at DEC’s Environmental Health Laboratory in Anchorage. Commercially harvested shellfish are regulated through the DEC and are considered safe for consumption.

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

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Things are still pretty slow in the Inner Bay this week. Tintinnids were abundant in the sample from Halibut Cove. Tintinnids are microzooplankton that feed on phytoplankton and bacteria and are an important food source for copepods and larval fishes! The Outer Bay samples were dominated by mixed diatoms. We had our first sighting of Alexandrium sp. in the samples from Port Graham on May 31st. Seeing this species does not necessarily mean that shellfish are accumulating saxitoxins, which can lead to Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, in their tissue. As always – please reach out if you have any questions.

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

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We saw low levels of phytoplankton in the inner bay this week. Chaetoceros spp. continues to be dominant in many areas of the outer bay with mixed diatoms dominating the Port Graham area samples. The ongoing Chaetoceros spp. bloom is dying down and we’ll have to see what species comes in to dominate next. In past years we have seen it switch over to Mixed Diatoms for a while and last year we also saw a Leptocylindrus spp. bloom. We have not seen the other species of concern at high levels. As always – please reach out if you have any questions.

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

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Hi all,
We are still seeing Chaetoceros spp. dominate in our samples from the greater Kachemak Bay area. This species can lead to deaths of penned salmon since they are not able to swim away from the algal bloom. Currently, a different species of phytoplankton is causing large scale die-offs of penned salmon in Norway. For more information on the current impacts that algal bloom is having on their farmed salmon fishery, be sure to check out this article

Thanks to all our monitors for sending in samples and readings this week!

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

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Hi all!

Our first wild shellfish toxin testing results of the summer are in! The shellfish that we send to DEC’s Environmental Health Laboratory in Anchorage is wild and not from a commercial operation. Commercially harvested shellfish are regulated through DEC and are considered safe for consumption. The toxin test was done for saxitoxins which can are they type of toxin that can lead to paralytic shellfish poisoning. Anything below the regulatory limit of 80ug/100g is considered safe for human consumption. The blue mussels we tested came in well underneath the regulatory limit. KBNERR is not a regulatory agency and the harvest of wild shellfish is considered ‘dig at your own risk’ in the state of Alaska. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

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

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Hi all!

We are still seeing phytoplankton blooming in the Inner Bay this week with Cerataulina spp. dominating the samples. Our samples from the Outer Bay had lower abundances of phytoplankton. We have yet to see any Alexandrium spp. in any of our samples and have not seen the other two concerning species at high levels.

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

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Hi all!

We are seeing phytoplankton blooming throughout Kachemak Bay! After seeing low abundances of phytoplankton in our samples last summer this is exciting news. Thalassiosira spp. is blooming in the inner bay and Chaetoceros spp. is blooming in the outer bay. We have yet to see any Alexandrium spp. in our samples, as far as harmful algal bloom species go. We are sending off shellfish for toxin testing and will hopefully have results to start sharing in the next update!

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

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Happy Spring Everyone!

We hope you all have had a great winter! We are excited that Spring is here, and field season is fast approaching. We have already received some samples from our amazing community monitors. Our updates will be coming out weekly starting now through the rest of the summer. We will also be sending in shellfish for toxin testing twice every month and will be sharing the results in these updates. A reminder to all that we are sending in wild shellfish for harmful algal bloom related toxin testing. Commercial shellfish is regulated through the Department of Environmental Conservation and is considered safe for consumption.

During the month of April, in Kachemak Bay, Chaetocerous and Thalassiosira have been the dominate species in our samples. The only two harmful algal bloom species that we’ve seen so far this season are Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis. We saw Chaetoceros blooming first this year in Sadie Cove in the end of March – the spring bloom has happened!

For more information on the April 1st Phytoplankton Update and the Qualitative Analysis of Phytoplankton Data, click here

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The KBNERR Phytoplankton updates are currently in the process of being updated and migrated from the ACCS Data Catalog to the main ACCS webpage. For the rest of this summer, current program updates and announcements will be periodically posted on this page.

Contact Rosie Robinson for any additional questions on the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Harmfal Algal Blooms Program and Phytoplankton Updates

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