C-HARM
Model 

HABMAP
Shore Station Data

CDPH Phytoplankton Data 

Marine Mammal and Seabird
Stranding Data

Pseudo-nitzschia - 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). C-HARM probabilities for blooms in March are highest from the Santa Barbara Channel north, offshore to nearshore, with high nearshore probabilities in the Southern California Bight. The persistency of this pattern over the last several months suggests model re-tuning may be necessary. HABMAP observations of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. abundance indicate bloom conditions for both the "seriata" (toxigenic) and "delicatissima" (non-toxigenic) size-classes at stations in the Southern California Bight, i.e. from Stearns Wharf south, with intensity building as we move southward. However, records of Pseudo-nitzschia abundance were not yet available for the Santa Cruz Wharf or Scripps Pier. CDPH sampling in March shows highest Pseudo-nitzschia percent composition in the Southern Bight, Santa Barbara Channel, central coast, and Monterey Bay.

Domoic Acid - C-HARM also tells us where DA might be more likely to occur at high levels. March observations of DA from HABMAP sampling are only available for Santa Cruz Wharf so far, and those values indicate low DA activity in the northern Monterey Bay. Probabilities of particulate DA (pDA) are most pronounced in the nearshore regions of the North Coast, outside SF Bay, and in the Southern California Bight. High cellular DA probabilities in the Bight are consistent with the high rates of Pseudo-nitzschia growth in that area, where cDA production might also be peaking. Marine mammals strandings from DA toxicosis decreased in the Southern CA Bight from Feb to March but increased slightly in the central to northern region (SF Bay and southern Monterey Bay), consistent with high probabilities of pDA (and cDA) in those zones.

Alexandrium - HABMAP records for Alexandrium at pier sites show no activity from January to March 2019, which is consistent with little or no increases in the relative abundance of this dinoflagellate as measured by the CDPH volunteer phytoplankton monitoring network.

C-HARM Model

HABMAP Observations

Newport Beach Pier

Water samples were collected at Newport Beach Pier four times in the month of March. Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima group and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata group were detected above bloom levels and Alexandrium spp. were not detected in any of the samples. Domoic Acid results are not yet available for the month of March 2019.

CDPH observations for Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and Alexandrium spp.

From 1-31 March 2019, water samples were collected by volunteers and sent to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for analysis. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. were detected in 39 of the 46 samples. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. was recorded at Common density levels in nine of the samples including on March 20th at Point Pinos (27% composition), March 22nd at San Clemente Pier (20% composition). and March 17th at Capitola Pier (17%). Alexandrium spp. were detected in low levels (<0.5% composition) in all six samples in the month of March. You can also view CDPH weekly map layers of Pseudo-nitzschia and Alexandrium here.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued no health advisories due to domoic acid in the month of February. 

For the latest closures and updates, please visit the CDFW Health Advisories page. Data are provided by the California Department of Public Health, Environmental Management Branch.