Gulf of Alaska | Ecosystem Perspectives MASTER’S POSTER PRESENTATION Evaluation of paralytic shellfish toxin congeners in Resurrection Bay bivalves Presenter: Annette Jarosz , annette@alutiiqprideak.org, Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Emily Mailman , emily@alutiiqprideak.org, Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Raven Cunningham , raven@crrcalaska.org Shannon Atkinson , shannon.atkinson@alaska.edu, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alexandrium , a genus of phytoplankton that produces paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), is predicted to have an increase in bloom frequency and expansion of temporal and geographical range due to warming oceans. PSTs are not monitored for subsistence or recreational shellfish harvest in Alaska, putting shellfish harvesters at great risk of illness and even death. Chugach Regional Resources Commission, an inter-tribal consortium aimed at advocating for the natural resources in the Chugach region, is working to fill the gap in subsistence and recreational PST monitoring for the Southcentral region of Alaska. From April to September of 2021 and 2022, bi-weekly samples of three different bivalve species were collected: blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis ), soft-shell clams ( Mya arenaria ), and cockles ( Clinocardium nuttalli i) (n = 83) from a local beach in Resurrection Bay. These samples were analyzed by the Department of Environmental Conservation using high- pressure liquid chromatography. This method identifies 12 PST congeners allowing us to understand which congeners are most abundant in our local ecosystem and identify the risk level to harvesters in Resurrection Bay. Additionally, the two- year time-series will help us identify toxin retention time in each bivalve species.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 161
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker