Emerging human health threats due to Harmful Algae Blooms in Washington

Presentation Abstract

There is great annual variation in harmful algae blooms that continue to cause closures and illnesses in Washington. The Marine Biotoxin Program (MBP) at the Washington State Department of Health monitors for three marine biotoxins: Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), Amnesic Shellfish Poison (ASP) and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poison (DSP). DSP is relatively new in Washington waters, but DSP toxin levels above regulatory limits required multiple closures of recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting in the past two years of monitoring. Recent biotoxin results and comparisons with previous years will be discussed. The MBP closely collaborates with and relies on SoundToxins and ORHAB to monitor phytoplankton throughout Washington State for potential harmful algae blooms. With improved tracking, the MBP is constantly responding to emerging marine biotoxins and adapting its management of the recreational and commercial harvest. The MBP continues to work towards more partnerships in precautionary, proactive research to better understand HABs and protect human health.

Session Title

Session S-08A: Harmful Algal Blooms, Climate, Shellfish, and Public Health - Emerging Issues in a Changing World

Conference Track

Harmful Algal Blooms and Shellfish

Conference Name

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)

Document Type

Event

Start Date

2-5-2014 8:30 AM

End Date

2-5-2014 10:00 AM

Location

Room 615-616-617

Genre/Form

conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)

Contributing Repository

Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Subjects – Topical (LCSH)

Seafood poisoning--Washington (State); Algal blooms--Washington (State)

Subjects – Names (LCNAF)

Washington (State). Department of Health

Geographic Coverage

Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Washington (State)

Rights

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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May 2nd, 8:30 AM May 2nd, 10:00 AM

Emerging human health threats due to Harmful Algae Blooms in Washington

Room 615-616-617

There is great annual variation in harmful algae blooms that continue to cause closures and illnesses in Washington. The Marine Biotoxin Program (MBP) at the Washington State Department of Health monitors for three marine biotoxins: Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), Amnesic Shellfish Poison (ASP) and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poison (DSP). DSP is relatively new in Washington waters, but DSP toxin levels above regulatory limits required multiple closures of recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting in the past two years of monitoring. Recent biotoxin results and comparisons with previous years will be discussed. The MBP closely collaborates with and relies on SoundToxins and ORHAB to monitor phytoplankton throughout Washington State for potential harmful algae blooms. With improved tracking, the MBP is constantly responding to emerging marine biotoxins and adapting its management of the recreational and commercial harvest. The MBP continues to work towards more partnerships in precautionary, proactive research to better understand HABs and protect human health.