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CSCOR Event Response Program to Assist Texas Response to Unusual Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)
The Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR) HAB Event Response Program is providing assistance to a team of researchers and managers coordinated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department responding to an ongoing toxic algal bloom of the species Dinophysis. This species produces the toxin okadaic acid, which can accumulate in shellfish and when consumed can cause Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning. The bloom and toxin levels measured in oyster samples prompted the State of Texas to close impacted bays and issue a recall of oysters, clams and mussels. While Dinophysis occurs naturally in ocean waters and estuaries, it is not typically found in high numbers along the Texas Gulf Coast. No reports of illness have yet been reported. CSCOR event response funding will support regular sampling and analysis by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Department of State Health Services, University of Texas Marine Institute, and Texas A&M University. This monitoring will enable the state to determine when it is safe to reopen shellfish beds. For more information, contact Marc Suddleson at Marc.Suddleson@noaa.gov. Current status on this bloom can be found at (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/environconcerns/hab/).