Pseudo-nitzschia and Domoic Acid Predictions - C-HARM tells us where conditions are suitable for Pseudo-nitzschia spp. (all size classes) to grow well and where they might be more likely to produce domoic acid (DA). In early June, suitable habitat for Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was spread throughout coastal California with some retraction in the Southern California Bight later into the month. C-HARM predicted high pDA in offshore central California water, particularly in the middle of the month, and along the Humboldt and Sonoma coastlines and throughout the Southern California Bight over the course of June. C-HARM also indicates very high probabilities in cDA distributed in patches along the Humboldt and Sonoma coastline and shift from high cDA to low cDA in the Bight over the course of June. This pattern is reflected in the HABMAP measurements at the piers. Bloom levels of Pseudo-nitzschia seriata size class were sustained at Santa Cruz Wharf in two pulses in early and late June. Bloom levels of both P. seriata and delicatissima size classes rose and fell fairly abruptly at central and southern CA piers, consistent with the C-HARM retraction in pDA and cDA in the Southern California Bight. Currently available measurements of DA at the HABMAP pier sites point to abrupt increases in nearshore DA in central CA (Cal Poly Pier) and a gradual increase at Newport Beach Pier from early to mid-June.  In general, animal strandings related to DA were very high in central and southern California throughout June with most animals presenting with DA symptoms. Interestingly, despite the major spike in sea lion strandings from apparent DA toxicosis in the LA area, DA levels at Santa Monica Pier were low (or zero) in early June, with later results still forthcoming. CDPH recorded its highest levels of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. abundance at Santa Monica Pier.

Alexandrium - HABMAP records for Alexandrium spp. at pier sites indicate bloom levels at Cal Poly Pier, while CDPH recorded its highest relative abundance of Alexandrium spp. at Goleta Pier in the Santa Barbara Channel region. These observations are consistent with CDPH shellfish advisories for PSP in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties in June.

Santa Cruz Wharf

Santa Cruz water samples are not yet available for the month of June.  

Monterey Wharf

 Monterey Wharf water samples are not yet available for the month of June.  

Cal Poly Pier

Water samples were collected at Cal Poly Pier five times in the month of June. Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima group was detected above bloom levels on June 2nd and 9th and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata group was detected below bloom levels on June 16th. Alexandrium spp. were detected above blooms levels in three of the five samples - June 9th, 16th and 30th. Domoic Acid results are not yet available for the month of June.  

Stearns Wharf

Water samples were collected at Stearns Wharf four times in the month of May. Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima group and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata group were detected above bloom levels throughout the month of May and Alexandrium spp. were detected above bloom levels on May 7th and 13th. Domoic Acid results are not yet available for the month of June. 

Santa Monica Pier

Water samples were collected at Santa Monica four times in the month of June. Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima group and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata group were detected above bloom levels on June 3rd. Alexandrium spp. were not detected in any of June water samples. Domoic Acid results are not yet available for the month of June.