Developing an assay for early detection of domoic acid production in coastal Washington
Principal Investigator
- Sean McAllister, University of Washington, mcallis@uw.edu
Co-Principal Investigators
- Samantha Setta, University of Washington, samantha.setta@noaa.gov
- Zachary Gold, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL), zachary.gold@noaa.gov
- Jan Newton, University of Washington, janewton@uw.edu
- Stephanie Moore, NOAA/NMFS Northwest Region, stephanie.moore@noaa.gov
- Richard Feely, NOAA PMEL, richard.a.feely@noaa.gov
- Simone Alin, NOAA PMEL, simone.r.alin@noaa.gov
- Nicolaus Adams, NOAA, NW Fisheries Science Center, nicolaus.adams@noaa.gov
- Brian Bill, NOAA/NMFS Northwest Region, brian.d.bill@noaa.gov
- Susanna Theroux, Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, susannat@sccwrp.org
- Ryan McCabe, NOAA PMEL, ryan.mccabe@noaa.gov
This project's long term goal is to provide Washington with cost-effective tools to improve the monitoring and forecasting of harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. These blooms can produce domoic acid (DA), a harmful neurotoxin that can accumulate in birds, fish, and mammals. The project aims to: 1) develop a quantitative assay (test) for the DA toxin biosynthesis gene (dabA); 2) validate the assay for routine coastal monitoring in Washington; 3) compile an inventory of state-wide HAB measurements to be used in future prediction efforts; 4) produce a Washington State HAB Roadmap of the role of environmental drivers on DA production.
Project background
In Washington coastal waters, HABs caused by multiple Pseudo-nitzschia species are becoming a frequent and dangerous problem. Accumulation of DA toxins produced by these HABS in shellfish can cause harmful or lethal effects in humans. Shellfish in Washington are closely monitored for DA, and culturally and economically important Dungeness crab and Pacific razor clam fisheries can be delayed or closed when toxin concentrations exceed regulatory thresholds. These closures have a disproportionate impact on coastal tribal nations, for whom Dungeness crab and Pacific razor clam are not just industries but a source of food security and sacred cultural heritage. Developing a sensitive assay to measure early production of DA, as well as a clearer understanding of the ocean conditions that trigger DA events, would greatly improve DA forecasting both now and in the future.
Results and findings
This project will be completed in two phases. In Phase 1, Pseudo-nitzschia cells will be collected and cultured for quantitative assay development. The team will target toxigenic species of particular importance to coastal Washington and Oregon. Cultured Pseudo-nitzschia will be identified morphologically, filtered, and then tested for DA production. After successful development of an assay for the domoic acid gene (dabA) in Pseudo-nitzschia cultures, the protocol will be tested on existing samples with paired measurements of Pseudo-nitzschia cell counts and DA. In addition to these existing samples, the team will collect new environmental samples during active HAB events in the region. In Phase 2, the team will create a statewide repository for future development and forecasting efforts. Assembling this robust suite of data streams in one place will help future monitoring efforts identify the environmental drivers of DA. Finally, this framework will identify regional laboratories well-positioned to adopt the assay as part of their routine monitoring.
Contact information
Sean McAllister
Principal Investigator
Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington
206.526.6197
mcallis@uw.edu