It is widely distributed along the coast and lives in the upper layer of the ocean. Alexandrium is a microscopic, photosynthetic dinoflagellate. We search for the presence of Alexandrium cells in the water column as well as the presence of saxitoxin in molluscan shellfish. Searching for Biotoxins in Long Island WatersĮvery year, beginning in the spring and continuing through the fall, the Shellfisheries Bureau conducts an extensive Marine Biotoxin Monitoring program across Long Island. The Division of Marine Resources Shellfisheries Bureau conducts marine biotoxin monitoring of local waters to identify where these toxic HABs may be occurring in order to protect human health. Unfortunately, saxitoxin cannot be removed through cooking as it accumulates in the tissues of molluscan shellfish. In mild cases, the individual might recover in a few days however, in more severe paralysis, respiratory failure and death can occur within two to 25 hours. According to the Center for Disease Control, when people consume saxitoxin in sufficient quantities, the onset of symptoms can be rapid, anywhere from between 15 minutes to 10 hours after eating the contaminated shellfish. Symptoms from Consuming Toxic Shellfish: Saxitoxin causes Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), which includes numbness and tingling in the face and extremities, followed by headache, dizziness, nausea and a loss of coordination. Saxitoxin can then be concentrated in the body tissues of these shellfish and make them very dangerous for human consumption. Molluscan shellfish like scallops, mussels and clams, that filter particulates out of the water for food can filter in these toxic Alexandrium cells from the water. produces saxitoxin, a dangerous neurotoxin that can destroy, damage, or impair the functioning of nerve tissue. has been present in Long Island waters since the 1970s and made its first harmful bloom on Long Island in 2006, causing large shellfishing closures in Northport and Huntington Harbors in the Town of Huntington (Northwest Suffolk County). One species of phytoplankton has made a strong appearance in Long Island waters, Alexandrium spp. Within the past twenty-five years, HABs, such as the brown tide bloom in the 1980s and 1990s, have devastated areas of New York coastal waters, threatening important habitat, disrupting food chains for many marine species, and impacting economically viable fisheries.Ĭourtesy of NYS DEC Shellfish Lab Toxic Marine Algal Blooms Harmful algal blooms (HABs) and marine biotoxins are a part of the marine ecological community in New York State marine waters. Algal Blooms and Marine Biotoxins in New York However, some algal blooms that color the water may have no harmful impacts. The discoloration of the water is caused by the millions of microscopic phytoplankton that bloom. Harmful algal blooms may color the water red or brown, and are often referred to as "red tide" or "brown tide". Additionally, of the various species that may cause these HABs, there are a handful that can produce dangerous toxins (marine biotoxins) that are harmful to the health of marine organisms and humans. Scientists refer to these "blooms" as harmful algal blooms (HABs). Yet, there are some species that, if given the right conditions, can grow rapidly, creating a widespread "bloom" that overwhelms marine habitats and wreaks havoc on the ecosystem. Most are harmless and are important for their role as food for certain marine species. The ocean is full of phytoplankton, small plant-like organisms (algae) that are invisible to the human eye and form the basis of the aquatic food chain. Harmful Algal Blooms and Marine Biotoxins What is it?
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