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.