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.