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Salmon mortalities associated with a bloom of Alexandrium fundyense in 2003 in the Bay of Fundy, and subsequent early warning approaches for industry
Abstract
In early September 2003, >3.0 X 105 cells l–1 of Alexandrium
fundyense were detected in close proximity to salmon aquaculture sites near Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, eastern Canada. High concentrations persisted throughout the month, peaking to >8 x 105 cells
l–1 on 18 September. Concurrently, some salmon farms in the area experienced elevated mortalities. Although the cause of mortality is not yet fully understood, it appears to be related to the high concentrations of A. fundyense. Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins were not detected in
the edible flesh of salmon (by mouse bioassay and highperformance
liquid chromatography), but were detected at low levels in viscera and gills. Blue mussels Mytilus edulis analysed from areas affected by the bloom
reached levels of 18 000ìg STX equivalents 100g–1 of tissue. As a result of the salmon mortalities, a project was initiated to establish a monitoring approach for harmful algal blooms to provide an early warning of potential events and to act as a tool for mitigation actions.
fundyense were detected in close proximity to salmon aquaculture sites near Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy, eastern Canada. High concentrations persisted throughout the month, peaking to >8 x 105 cells
l–1 on 18 September. Concurrently, some salmon farms in the area experienced elevated mortalities. Although the cause of mortality is not yet fully understood, it appears to be related to the high concentrations of A. fundyense. Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins were not detected in
the edible flesh of salmon (by mouse bioassay and highperformance
liquid chromatography), but were detected at low levels in viscera and gills. Blue mussels Mytilus edulis analysed from areas affected by the bloom
reached levels of 18 000ìg STX equivalents 100g–1 of tissue. As a result of the salmon mortalities, a project was initiated to establish a monitoring approach for harmful algal blooms to provide an early warning of potential events and to act as a tool for mitigation actions.
