Gulf of Alaska | Climate and Oceanography
Citizen Science in Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms in Southcentral Alaska Presenter: Emily Mailmian , emilym0610@att.net , Chugach Regional Resources Commission Annette Jarosz , b annette@alutiiqprideak.org , Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute Raven Cunningham , raven@crrcalaska.org , Chugach Regional Resources Commission Shannon Atkinson , shannon.atkinson@alaska.edu , University of Alaska Fairbanks Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are fueled by the perfect storm of sunlight, nutrients, temperature, and turbidity. They occur when algae grow exponentially while producing toxins harmful to humans and marine species. HABs have no geographical boundary and it is expected that incidents of HABs are likely to increase in frequency and duration as ocean temperatures continue to rise. Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC) is particularly interested in HABs occurring in Southcentral Alaska. CRRC is an inter-tribal consortium serving seven tribes in the Lower Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, and Cooper River Delta regions. CRRC aims to advocate for the natural resource interests of these communities through policy advocacy, mariculture development, and marine research. CRRC has established the Chugach Regional Ocean Monitoring program which includes HAB monitoring. The first step in monitoring HABs is through phytoplankton tows and microscopy. Community samplers receive in-field training on how to conduct phytoplankton tows, how to properly fix the sample, and then send it to our marine lab facility in Seward, Alaska to perform the microscopy. Once samples are received technicians and biologists concentrate the sample and identify phytoplankton species. Species of particular interest are Pseudo-nitzschia and Alexandrium. These phytoplankton can produce Domoic acid and Saxitoxin, respectively, which can trigger Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) and Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). CRRC and our Tribal Members are particularly concerned about HABs due to the traditional subsistence harvesting community members rely on for sustenance and connection to their culture. Conducting baseline monitoring with our community members helps act as an early indicator of paralytic shellfish toxins present in subsistence resources. From there, communities can send shellfish in for further testing through our CHROM lab to make informed decisions about shellfish consumption.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 30 4
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