Emerging human health threats due to Harmful Algae Blooms in Washington

There is great annual variation in harmful algae blooms that continue to cause closures and illnesses in Washington. The Marine Biotoxin Program (MBP) at the Washington State Department of Health monitors for three marine biotoxins: Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), Amnesic Shellfish Poison (ASP) and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poison (DSP). DSP is relatively new in Washington waters, but DSP toxin levels above regulatory limits required multiple closures of recreational and commercial shellfish harvesting in the past two years of monitoring. Recent biotoxin results and comparisons with previous years will be discussed. The MBP closely collaborates with and relies on SoundToxins and ORHAB to monitor phytoplankton throughout Washington State for potential harmful algae blooms. With improved tracking, the MBP is constantly responding to emerging marine biotoxins and adapting its management of the recreational and commercial harvest. The MBP continues to work towards more partnerships in precautionary, proactive research to better understand HABs and protect human health.