SoundHAB: PSP closure and possible, low-level Heterosigma bloom

[Jack Rensel]

Red tide closes Whatcom beaches to shellfish harvesting


The Washington state Health Department has closed Whatcom County beaches to
recreational shellfish harvest because of high levels of red tide. The
marine biotoxin can be deadly if eaten.

By The
<http://search.nwsource.com/search?searchtype=cq&sort=date&from=ST&byline=Th
e%20Associated%20Press>  Associated Press June 9, 2010

Related

BELLINGHAM - The Washington state Health Department has closed Whatcom
County beaches to recreational shellfish harvest because of high levels of
red tide. The marine biotoxin can be deadly if eaten. The department said
Wednesday it has been found at high levels in shellfish samples collected
from Squalicum Harbor, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Spit. The county health
department will continue to test beaches and notify the public when it's
safe to resume harvest. Commercially harvested shellfish are tested
separately, and products in local grocery stores should be safe to eat.

JR note:  Alexandrium catenella blooms are often precede Heterosigma blooms.
Fish farmers are collecting samples in bays of Bainbridge Island at this
time as there was a report yesterday of cells that appear to be similar to
Heterosigma.  With the 9th wettest May in history and continuation of larger
amounts of rainfall into June to be followed by warm weather starting this
weekend, we could see a significant increase in HAB events.  However, tidal
amplitude will be extreme over the coming week which could moderate
Heterosigma bloom formation.  

 

 

 

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