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.