Researching and observing harmful microorganisms in the Salish Sea
Presentation Abstract
In the Pacific Northwest tribes all along these coastal waters have been deeply impacted due to the affects of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The cause of these HABs are likely due to climate change, agricultural nutrient additions, and human causes. We investigated phytoplankton communities in the Salish Sea during July-August of 2017 to see if there was presence of phytoplankton responsible for HABs including; Alexandrium, Cochlodinium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis spp.In order to monitor harmful algae species, studying, collecting, and observing phytoplankton can be enhanced in a research lab. We used a series of field and laboratory methods to identify harmful algae species, and monitor for the biotoxins they produce. These include targeted sampling in Bellingham Bay at the Se’lhaem buoy, Gooseberry Point on Lummi Nation, and Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, WA. We combined water quality methods, microscopy counts, and Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers to identify harmful algal species and if toxins were produced. Ultimately, we had found the presence of Alexandrium, Cochlodinium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis in the Salish Sea. This project was a pre-monitoring project, and focused on method development, targeted species identification, and site deployment for future microscopy and SPATT sampling in Bellingham and Lulmmi Bay, WA.
Session Title
Posters: Climate Change: Impacts, Adaptation, & Research
Conference Track
SSE18: Posters
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2018 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE18-11
Start Date
5-4-2018 11:30 AM
End Date
5-4-2018 1:30 PM
Type of Presentation
Poster
Genre/Form
presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Algal blooms--Monitoring--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Toxic marine algae--Detection--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Phytoplankton--Monitoring--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
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
Researching and observing harmful microorganisms in the Salish Sea
In the Pacific Northwest tribes all along these coastal waters have been deeply impacted due to the affects of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The cause of these HABs are likely due to climate change, agricultural nutrient additions, and human causes. We investigated phytoplankton communities in the Salish Sea during July-August of 2017 to see if there was presence of phytoplankton responsible for HABs including; Alexandrium, Cochlodinium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis spp.In order to monitor harmful algae species, studying, collecting, and observing phytoplankton can be enhanced in a research lab. We used a series of field and laboratory methods to identify harmful algae species, and monitor for the biotoxins they produce. These include targeted sampling in Bellingham Bay at the Se’lhaem buoy, Gooseberry Point on Lummi Nation, and Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, WA. We combined water quality methods, microscopy counts, and Solid Phase Adsorption Toxin Tracking (SPATT) samplers to identify harmful algal species and if toxins were produced. Ultimately, we had found the presence of Alexandrium, Cochlodinium, Pseudo-nitzschia, and Dinophysis in the Salish Sea. This project was a pre-monitoring project, and focused on method development, targeted species identification, and site deployment for future microscopy and SPATT sampling in Bellingham and Lulmmi Bay, WA.
