Possible ongoing domoic acid event

info@sccoos.org (SCCOOS HAB News) — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

A number of bird and marine mammal strandings have occurred in the past week in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas with a possible link to domoic-acid (DA) poisoning. Significant numbers of the domoic-acid producing diatom Pseudo-nitzschia have been detected at SCCOOS Harmful Algal Bloom study sites at Stearn's Wharf, Newport Pier, and Scripps Pier over the past week. USC Webb Gliders running transects around Catalina Island also show a significant subsurface chlorophyll maximum. Additionally, low levels of domoic acid were detected in and around the Los Angeles Harbor at the end of April.

Scientists from USC will be coordinating with the Los Angeles and Orange County Sanitation Districts to collect seawater samples this week to verify the extent of this event. Further updates will follow as analysis is completed on seawater and marine mammal samples.

Imperial Beach Red Tide Safe for Swimmers

info@sccoos.org (SCCOOS HAB News) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 1:20:00 GMT

The reddish water or "red tide" off Imperial Beach's coast is safe for water enthusiasts, but signals that local mussels may be toxic, county health officials said Tuesday.