Toxic plankton monitoring at the Cawthron Institute (New Zealand) - A case study
Abstract
The Cawthron Institute, New Zealand, maintains laboratories that monitor both HAB and marine shellfish toxins under a “user-pays” system, and also carry out research that underpins the Safe New Zealand Seafood programme. ... [ view full abstract ]
The Cawthron Institute, New Zealand, maintains laboratories that monitor both HAB and marine shellfish toxins under a “user-pays” system, and also carry out research that underpins the Safe New Zealand Seafood programme. Routine phytoplankton monitoring uses the Utermohl method to screen water samples taken at shellfish sites. Harmful algae detections may trigger further quantitative toxin testing in shellfish flesh by chemical instrumental methods. The Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island is an area subjected to intensive monitoring. The toxin-producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum was detected in this area for the first time in 2011, with recurrent annual blooms now observed at certain locations. Paralytic shellfish toxins represent the greatest marine biotoxin threat to New Zealand shellfish aquaculture. This presentation will provide an overview of the routine monitoring procedures utilised at Cawthron and how this informs shellfish farmers and regulators to effectively manage the fishery. It will also discuss what is known about the A. pacificum bloom dynamics observed in the Marlborough Sounds.
Authors
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Catherine Moisan
(Cawthron Institute)
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Lincoln Mackenzie
(Cawthron Institute)
Topic Area
Water Quality Management
Session
OS-06 » Impact of HABS (11:10 - Tuesday, 16th May, Bailey Allen 1)