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
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.
