SoundHAB: bloom update, Friday 27 July PM

[Jack Rensel]

As of last evening, the Heterosigma bloom in Central Puget Sound stretched
from at least Point No Point to south of Blake Island and into outer Elliot
Bay and possibly further into the bay.

 

 Highest concentrations appeared to be in Blakely Harbor on Bainbridge
Island and the SE shore of Blake Island.    Port Orchard backwaters were not
assessed due to flight restrictions around the Navy shipyards. 

 

Fish were killed at the NOAA Manchester research station pens, but according
to operation manager Ken Massee none of the sablefish (black cod) were
affected.   In contrast, every one of a small batch of Atlantic salmon being
held for research were killed last night.  The main onshore seawater system
was able to filter out the alga as the staff stayed throughout the night to
clean filters.   

 

Some fish were lost at the commercial net pens, an assessment is underway
and mitigation steps such as upwelling have been in practice. 

 

There are presently (Friday) large concentrations of cells in the water
throughout the area, but there are some indications that it may be a short
term bloom as was the case in early August 2006.  

 

The fish farmers are making numerous cell counts throughout the area and if
there are other HABs present (such as PSP or ASP species) in significant
numbers they will let us know.   

 

Jack Rensel

 

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