Figure 1. Distribution of toxin-producing phytoplankton in Southern California during August, 2016.
MORRO BAY: San Simeon Pier
Cayucos Pier Outer Bay (-,c)Mid Bay (-,r)
Inner Bay (r,c)
Diablo Cove San Luis Obispo
Cal Poly Pier
Harford Pier
Pismo Pier
Naples Pt. Plumes and Blooms Site#’s: #
Ellwood Pier Goleta Pier
Santa Barbara Stearns Wharf Mohawk Reef
S.B. Harbor, Offshore
San Miguel
4 Ventura Los Angeles Ventura Pier
Hueneme Pier Malibu Beach Pier
Santa Rosa Santa Cruz Anacapa Santa Monica Bay Palos Verdes, Offshore L.A. Harbor, Offshore
Santa Barbara Is. Long Beach Breakwater Bolsa Chica
San Nicolas Island OrangeOrange Newport Bay, Back Bay
Newport Beach, Offshore Catalina Island Crystal Cove Beach
Dana Pt., Offshore
San Clemente Pier San Clemente Island
Oceanside Pier
San Diego
La Jolla, Scripp's Pier
San Diego Harbor Imperial Beach Pier
Relat ive Abundance of Known Toxin Producers
Alexandrium Species Pseudo-nitzschia Species
Rare (less than 1%) Present (less than 10%)
Present (between 1% and 10%) Common (between 10% and 50%)
Common (between 10% and 50%) Abundant (greater than 50%)
MONTHLY SAMPLING STATIONS: Abundant (greater than 50%)
Single Sampling Station
For areas with multiple sampling stations, species abundance Multiple Sampling Stationsat each station is represented as follows:(a,p) = Abundance for Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia.
Offshore Sampling Station e.g., (c,p) = common, present; (a,-) = abundant, not observed
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA 94804 Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Program
M o n t h l yM a r i n e B i o t o x i n
R e
INTRODUCTION:
This report provides a summary of biotoxin
activity for the month of August, 2016. Ranges
of toxin concentrations are provided for the
paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins and
for domoic acid (DA). Estimates are also
provided for the distribution and relative
abundance of Alexandrium, the dinoflagellate
that produces PSP toxins, and Pseudo-
nitzschia, the diatom that produces domoic
acid. Summary information is also provided
for any quarantine or health advisory that was
in effect during the reporting period.
Please note the following conventions for the
phytoplankton and shel l f ish b iotoxin
distribution maps: (I) All estimates for
phytoplankton relative abundance are
qualitative, based on sampling effort and
percent composition; (ii) All toxin data are for
mussel samples, unless otherwise noted; (iii)
All samples are assayed for PSP toxins; DA
analyses are performed as needed (i.e., on the
basis of detected blooms of the diatoms that
produce DA); (iv) Please refer to the
appropriate figure key for an explanation of the
symbols used on the maps.
Southern California Summary:
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Alexandrium was observed from San Luis
Obispo to Los Angeles counties in August
(Figure 1), expanding in distribution compared
to July. Low levels of PSP toxin were detected
in oyster and mussel samples in Morro Bay
and in a mussel sample from Cal Poly Pier
(San Luis Obispo County) (Figure 3). PSP
(Continued on Page 2)
p o r tAugust 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19
Figure 2. Distribution of toxin-producing phytoplankton in Northern California during August, 2016.
Del Norte
Humboldt
Mendocino
Trinidad Pier
HUMBOLDT BAY:Outer Bay ()
North Bay (p,-)Eureka (c,-)South Bay ()
Van Damme State Park
Point Arena Pier
Ocean Cove
Crab Island Bodega Harbor, USCG Dock Sonoma
Mile Buoy 1
Farallone Islands
SFSF
San Mateo
SantaSanta Cruz
Bodega Bay
TOMALES BAY: Mouth () Outer Bay (a,-)Mid-Bay () Inner Bay ()
Drakes Bay, Chimney Rock
Bolinas Lagoon
S.F. Presidio Pier
Pier 15 Pacifica Pier Coyote Pt.
Pillar Pt.
Pescadero Beach
Ano Nuevo
Santa Cruz Harbor
Santa Cruz Pier
Capitola Pier
Commercial Pier
Stillwater Cove
Granite Canyon
Hunter Rock
Crescent City Harbor
Marin
R
For arerepres
(
e.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
Page 2 August 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19
(Continued from Page 1)
toxins were not detected south of San Luis
Obispo County inAugust.
Domoic Acid
Pseudo-nitzschia was observed as rare to
common in all southern California counties in
August. The diatom increased in distribution
and relative abundance compared to July,
except in San Luis Obispo County where
relative abundance decreased. The highest
relative abundance index was observed at
Diablo Cove (San Luis Obispo) during the
second week of August, although settled
mass was low (Figure 1). Domoic acid was
not detected in any shellfish samples from
southern California in August (Figure 3).
Rock crab samples collected by CDPH Food
& Drug Branch (FDB) offshore of San Luis
Obispo County tested below the alert level for
domoic acid.
Non-Toxic Species
T h e d i a t o m C h a e t o c e r o s a n d t h e
dinoflagellate Ceratium were common to
abundant with relatively high settled mass in
San Luis Obispo county. Species which were
abundant but with lower settled mass
included the diatom Leptocylindrus in Santa
Barbara and San Diego counties, and the
diatom Hemiaulus seen in Los Angeles,
Orange, and San Diego counties.
Northern California Summary:
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Alexandrium spp. were observed at multiple
sampling sites ranging from Sonoma to
(Continued on Page 3)
elative Abundance of Known Toxin Producers
Alexandrium Species
Rare (less than 1%)
Present (between 1% and 10%)
Common(between 10% and 50%)
Abundant (greater than 50%)
Pseudo-nitzschia Species
Present (between 1% and 10%)
Common (between 10% amd 50%)
Abundant(greater than 50%)
MONTHLY SAMPLING STATIONS:
Single Sampling Station
Multiple Sampling Stations
Offshore Sampling Station
as with multiple sampling stations, species abundance at each station isented as follows: A,P) = Abundance for Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia.
g., (c,p) = common, present; (a,-) = abundant, not observed
Figure 3. Distribution of shellfish biotoxins in Southern California during August, 2016.
Lease M653-02
Mussel Shoals Oil Piers
Morro Bay
North T-Pier:
MBOC Oysters:
GBOC Oysters -01:
GBOC Oysters -02: Cal Poly Pier
Goleta Pier Santa Barbara
Santa Cruz
Santa Rosa Los Angeles
San Miguel
Anacapa Malibu Pier
Santa Barbara Is. San Nicolas Island
Catalina Island
San Clemente Island
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
San Diego Bay
KEY FOR SHELLFISH BIOTOXIN DATA
Week: 1 2 3 4
PSP Range: no not < 801 80(ug/100 g) sample detected
DA Range: no not 2
(ppm) < 20 20 sample detected
1 2 PSP Alert Level DA Alert Level (30 ppm in crab viscera) = Single Site = Multiple Sites = Offshore Site
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
Page 3 August 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19
(Continued from Page 2)
Monterey counties in August (Figure 2). The distribution of this dinoflagellate increased
compared to July. PSP toxins were detected
in mussels from Humboldt, Sonoma, Marin,
San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey
counties. (Figure 4). A sentinel mussel
sample collected from Chimney Rock (Marin
County) the first week of August tested
above the alert level. A scallop sample
collected from Monterey Commercial Pier
during the fourth week of August also tested
above the alert level.
Domoic Acid
Pseudo-nitzschia was observed in all
northern California counties in August
(Figure 2). The percent composition of this
diatom decreased in Del Norte, Mendocino,
and Santa Cruz counties, and increased in
Marin County compared to July. The highest
settled mass was at Outer Tomales Bay
(Marin County) in the second week of
August. Domoic acid was detected in
mussels from Santa Cruz and Monterey
counties (Figure 4). A mussel sample from
Monterey Commercial Pier tested above the
alert level for domoic acid in the second
week of August. Concentrations of domoic
acid in razor clam meat and viscera
remained above the alert level in samples
from Clam Beach in Humboldt County.
Concentrations of domoic acid ranged from
34-190 ppm in meat samples, and 61-140
ppm in the viscera (Figure 4). Razor clams
(Continued on Page 4)
The Marine Biotoxin Monitoring and Control Program, managed by the California Department of Public Health, is a state-wide effort involving a consortium of volunteer participants. The shellfish sampling and analysis element of this program is intended to provide an early warning of shellfish toxicity by routinely assessing coastal resources for the presence of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins and domoic acid.
The Phytoplankton Monitoring Program is a state-wide effort designed to detect toxin producing species of phytoplankton in ocean water before they impact the public. The phytoplankton monitoring and observation effort can provide an advanced warning of a potential toxic bloom, allowing us to focus sampling efforts in the affected area before California's valuable shellfish resources or the public health is threatened.
For More Information Please Call: For Recorded Biotoxin Information Call: (510) 412-4635 (800) 553 - 4133
Figure 4. Distribution of shellfish biotoxins in Northern California during August, 2016.
Hunter Rock
Del Norte
Razor Clam
Crescent Beach 97
HUMBOLDT BAY: Razor Clam
Clam Beach 190
USCG Pier: (Mussels)
Indian Is. Ch.: Humboldt (Mussels)
East Bay Beds: (Oysters)
Fort Bragg Mendocino
TOMALES BAY:
Mouth: (Mussels)
Sonoma Outer: (Oysters)
Schoolhouse Beach Outer: (Mussels)Bodega Harbor Mid:
(Mussels)
Gaper Clam
Chimney Rock 236
Marin Drakes Estero Oyster
Stinson Beach
SF
San Mateo
Pescadero State Beach Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Pier
22Commercial Pier
Scallop
Monterey KEY FOR SHELLFISH BIOTOXIN DATA
Week: 1 2 3 4
PSP Range: 1no not < 80 80(ug/100 g) sample detected
DA Range: 2
(ppm) no not < 20 20 sample detected
1 PSP Alert Level 2 DA Alert Level (30 ppm in crab viscera) = Single Site = Multiple Sites = Offshore Site
85
(Continued from Page 3)
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages /fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
August 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19Page 4
(Continued from Page 3)
from Crescent Beach in Del Norte County
had decreasing concentrations of domoic
acid compared to July, although still above
the alert level, ranging from 43-97 ppm in
meat, and 28-97 ppm in the viscera. The
health advisory and fishery closure for razor
clams remains in effect. FDB tested rock
crab samples from several counties in
August (Figure 4). Concentrations of
domoic acid in the viscera were above the
alert level in samples from Half Moon Bay
and Monterey Bay. Summaries of crab
sample data can be found here:
Non-Toxic Species
The diatoms Chaetoceros and Skeletonema
were common to abundant in most Northern
California counties. The diatom Eucampia
was abundant offshore of Bodega Bay, the
diatom Rhizosolenia was abundant offshore
of Marin County and the diatom Cerataulina
was abundant offshore of San Francisco.
The dinoflagellate Gonyaulax was abundant
at Pillar Point Harbor (San Mateo County).
QUARANTINES:
The annual mussel quarantine began on
May 1. This annual quarantine prohibits
the sport-harvesting of mussels along the
entire California coastline, including all
bays and estuaries.
The December 9 Health Advisory warning
consumers not to eat recreationally
harvested razor clams from Humboldt and
Del Norte counties remains in effect due to
persistent elevated levels of domoic acid.
Current information for rock crab and
dungeness crab Health Advisories is
located at:
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages /fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
Consumers of Washington clams, also
(Continued on Page 5)
(Continued from bottom)
(Continued on Page 6)
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/Pages/fdbDomoicAcidInfo.aspx
Table 1. Program participants collecting phytoplankton samples during August, 2016.
AGENCY #
DEL NORTE COUNTY
CDPH Volunteer (Jim Hooper) 2
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
Coast Seafood Company 5
MENDOCINO COUNTY
CDPH Volunteer (Marie DeSantis) 2
SONOMA COUNTY
CA Department of Fish & Wildlife 2
CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 2
MARIN COUNTY
CDPH Volunteers (Anderson, Clyde) 6
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
CDPH Volunteer (Eugenia McNaughton) 1
SAN MATEO COUNTY
San Mateo County Environmental Health Dept. 3
U.C. Santa Cruz - Ano Nuevo 3
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Santa Cruz County Envir. Health Department 4
San Lorenzo Valley High School 1
MONTEREY COUNTY
The Otter Project (Connie Rose) 5
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
Morro Bay National Estuary Program 2
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary 3
Friends of the Sea Otter (Kelly Cherry) 5
Grassy Bar Oyster Company 2
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Santa Barbara Channel Keeper 5
SB Museum Natural History, Sea Center 3
VENTURA COUNTY
Ventura County Environmental Health Dept 1
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
City of Los Angeles Envir. Monitoring Division 4
Los Angeles County Sanitation District 3
ORANGE COUNTY
California Department of Fish and Wildlife 4
Crystal Cove Alliance 1
Orange County Health Care Agency 1
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Scripps Institute of Oceanography 5
CDPH Volunteer (Cynthia Hall) 2
AGENCY #
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation 1
CDPH Volunteers (Giovanetti, Roy) 4
Humboldt State University Marine Lab 1
CA Department of Fish & Wildlife 1
Sonoma Coast Watch 2
Bodega Marine Lab & Farallone Institute 2
CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 4
Hog Island Oyster Company 4
Monte Vista High School 1
Exploratorium 4
The Marine Mammal Center (Stan Jensen) 5
Friends of the Sea Otter (Diane Larson) 1
CDPH Volunteer (Jeff Palsgaard) 5
U.C. Santa Cruz (Kendra Negrey) 4
Monterey Abalone Company 2
Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory 1
Morro Bay Oyster Company 3
Tenera Environmental 4
CDPH Volunteers (Hoskins, Plemons) 5
CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 2
HABNet Volunteers 6
CDPH Volunteer (Sylvia Short) 1
U.C. Santa Barbara 5
National Park Service 2
CDPH Volunteer (Fred Burgess) 4
CDPH Volunteer (Cal Parsons) 2Los Angeles County Health Department
CDPH Volunteer (Cal Parsons) 1
Amigos de Bolsa Chica 4
CDPH Volunteer (Truong Nguyen) 2
Ocean Institute 1
Tijuana River National Estuary Research 4
U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program 4
Page 5 August 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19
(Continued from Page 4)
known as butter clams (Saxidomus nuttalli),
are cautioned to eat only the white meat.
Washington clams can concentrate the PSP
toxins in the viscera and in the dark parts of
the siphon and can remain toxic for a long
period of time. Persons taking scallops or
clams, with the exception of razor clams, are
advised to remove and discard the dark parts
(i.e., the digestive organs or viscera). Razor
clams (Siliqua patula) are an exception to
this general guidance due to their ability to
concentrate and retain domoic acid in the
edible white meat as well as in the viscera.
PSP toxins can produce a tingling around the
mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to
a few hours after eating toxic shellfish.
These symptoms can be followed by
disturbed balance, lack of muscular
coordination, slurred speech and difficulty
swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete
muscular paralysis and death from
asphyxiation can occur.
Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can
occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after
eating toxic seafood. In mild cases,
symptoms of exposure to this nerve toxin
may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
cramps, headache and dizziness. These
symptoms disappear completely within
several days. In severe cases, the victim
may experience excessive bronchial
secretions, difficulty breathing, confusion,
disorientation, cardiovascular instability,
seizures, permanent loss of short-term
memory, coma and death.
Any person experiencing any of these
symptoms should seek immediate medical
care. Consumers are also advised that
neither cooking or freezing eliminates
domoic acid or the PSP toxins from the
shellfish tissue. These toxins may also
accumulate in seafood species such as crab,
lobster, and small finfish like sardines and
anchovies.
(Continued from Page 5)
COUNTY AGENCY #
Del Norte Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation 1
CDPH Volunteer (Ken Graves) 10
Humboldt Coast Seafood Company 10
CDPH Food and Drug Branch 1
California Department of Fish and Wildlife 13
Mendocino Mendocino County Environmental Health Department 1
Sonoma CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 2
CDPH Volunteer (John Morozumi) 1
Marin Cove Mussel Company 5
Hog Island Oyster Company 4
Starbird Mariculture 6
Tomales Bay Oyster Company 1
CDPH Volunteer (Jamie Sutton) 1
CDPH Volunteer (Mike Chin) 2
CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 4
San Francisco None Submitted
San Mateo San Mateo County Environmental Health Department 1
Santa Cruz U.C. Santa Cruz 4
Monterey Monterey Abalone Company 4
San Luis Obispo Grassy Bar Oyster Company 15
Morro Bay Oyster Company 9
CDPH Marine Biotoxin Program 1
Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Mariculture Company 5
U.C. Santa Barbara 5
Ventura Ventura County Environmental Health Department 1
Los Angeles Los Angeles County Health Department Sims 1
Orange Orange County Health Care Agency 1
San Diego Carlsbad Aquafarm, Inc. 3
U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program 1
Page 6
Table 2. CDPH program participants submitting shellfish samples during August, 2016. P H Y T O P L A N K T O N
G A L L E R Y
August 2016 Technical Report No. 16-19
Members of the diatom Chaetoceros socialis join together to form a ball of twisted chains.
The toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium was observed from Sonoma to Los Angeles counties in August.
Contact the “Biotoxin Information Line” at 1-800-553-4133 for a current update
on marine biotoxin activity prior to gathering and consuming shellfish.
The diatom Rhizosolenia was abundant offshore of Marin County in August.