![]() Interestingly, while developing such anti-toxins, researchers have found a possible cystic fibrosis ( more info) treatment.Dead fish from `Red Tide` wash up on the shore of Boca Ciega Bay near St. Finally, researchers are attempting to develop an antidote to the red tide toxins. For example, the Sarasota Operations Coastal Oceans Observation Lab ( SO COOL ( more info) ) has developed instruments that can test for red tide algae in coastal waters. Tracking and monitoring red tide algae helps reduce harmful effects of the algae by providing warnings against eating infected shellfish and against swimming in infected waters. Technological advancements such as satellite imagery have allowed scientists to better track and monitor harmful algal blooms. Gastric and neurological symptoms include dizziness, disorientation and memory loss. It can also be found in soft shell clams and blue mussels infected by Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima. Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries and Amphora coffaeformis. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) - This disease, which has been found along the eastern Canadian coast, is caused by domoic acid producing planktonic and benthic algae, including Pseudo-nitzschia pungens forma.Symptoms of DSP include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and cramps. It generally occurs in Japan and Europe, but it has also been found in other countries such as Canada, the US, Chile, New Zealand, and Thailand. Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) - This disease is caused by the Dinophysis species.Image taken by Mona Hoppenrath, courtesy of the microscope website. This Dinophysis species can cause diarrhetic shellfish poisoning. Large fish kills and several mammalian diseases and deaths have been attributed to consumption of shellfish during red tide algal blooms. Grazers such as fish and krill are unaffected by the toxins, so as they eat the algae the toxins are concentrated and accumulate to a level that is poisonous to organisms that feed on them. It is unknown why these toxins are created, but some can be hazardous to larger organisms through the processes of biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Red tide algae make potent natural toxins. Countries affected by red tide events include: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United States, and Venezuela ( WHOI, 2007, CDC, 2012). Detection of a spread is thought to be influenced by higher awareness of red tide, better equipment for detecting and analyzing red tide, and nutrient loading from farming and industrial runoff. However, since the 1980s harmful red tide events have become more frequent and widespread. In addition, algae related to red tide can spread or be carried long distances by winds, currents, storms, or ships. Major factors influencing red tide events include warm ocean surface temperatures, low salinity, high nutrient content, calm seas, and rain followed by sunny days during the summer months ( NOAA). Karenia brevis - found in the Gulf of Mexico along the west coast of Florida.Alexandrium catenella - found along the Pacific coast from California to Alaska.Alexandrium fundyense - found along the Atlantic coast from the Canadian Maritimes to southern New England.Species in the United States that release these harmful toxins include: The algal bloom may also deplete oxygen in the waters and/or release toxins that may cause illness in humans and other animals. Red tide is a phenomenon caused by algal blooms (Wikipedia definition) during which algae become so numerous that they discolor coastal waters (hence the name "red tide"). The water in Penn Cove (Coupeville, WA) turned orange on 5/8/04 due to a "red tide." Photo courtesy of Mary Jo Adams (copyright 2004). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |