Week 4 - Shellfish Safety Team - Phytoplankton Analysis
As part of the Marine Institute's commitment to ensuring seafood safety and marine environmental health, the Shellfish Safety Team focuses on analysing phytoplankton and monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs). In this post, we will explore the intricacies of phytoplankton taxonomy, the HABs Shellfish Monitoring Programme, and the challenges posed by the problematic species Alexandrium and its associated biotoxin, domoic acid.
Shellfish Safety Team and Phytoplankton Analysis
The Marine Institute (MI) provides accredited laboratory services in compliance with ISO17025 to support seafood safety, marine environment, and fish health obligations. The Shellfish Safety Team conducts extensive phytoplankton analysis using light microscopy, identifying and enumerating various species in marine water samples from shellfish production areas. The team is highly skilled in taxonomy, essential for accurate identification of phytoplankton and the effective monitoring of harmful algal blooms.
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and Monitoring Programme
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can cause significant damage to shellfish production areas, leading to severe economic and ecological consequences. To mitigate these risks, the HABs Shellfish Monitoring Programme plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring toxic algae species and their associated biotoxins. By closely monitoring these species and their toxins, we can implement measures to minimize potential harm to shellfish populations and human health.
Problematic Species: Alexandrium and Domoic Acid
Alexandrium is a genus of toxic algae responsible for producing domoic acid, a potent biotoxin that can accumulate in shellfish and pose serious health risks to humans. Monitoring Alexandrium populations is essential to predicting and mitigating the presence of domoic acid in shellfish. The team collects and analyses data to track Alexandrium population dynamics and domoic acid levels, which is critical for developing effective management strategies and safeguarding public health.
ISO17025 Accreditation and Quality Systems
The Marine Institute has maintained Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) accreditation since 2001. This accreditation scope includes the analysis of marine water samples for the identification and enumeration of phytoplankton species. All data collected from analysis are inputted into Marine Institute databases and reported to relevant management staff for further analysis and action. The rigorous quality systems in place ensure analytical and diagnostic methods meet the highest international standards, providing confidence in findings and their implications for marine health and seafood safety.
Conclusion
The Marine Institute's Shellfish Safety Team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of shellfish in Ireland's marine environment. By conducting phytoplankton analysis, monitoring harmful algal blooms, and studying problematic species such as Alexandrium, the team contributes to effective management strategies for protecting shellfish populations and public health. Through maintaining ISO17025 accreditation and adhering to strict quality systems, the Marine Institute's work remains at the forefront of marine research and environmental stewardship.
For more information on the Benthos Ecology Group:
https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/marine-environment/benthos-ecology-group
For more information on Fish lice monitoring:
https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/aquaculture/sea-lice/sea-lice
Citations:
1. https://bim.ie/news-and-events/news/irelands-seafood-economy-worth-e13-billion-in-2022-despite-volatile-year/
2. https://www.marine.ie/site-area/areas-activity/marine-environment/benthos-ecology-group
3. Godson, P.S., Thanga, V.S.G. and Krishnakumar, S. (2022) Ecology and biodiversity of Benthos. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier.
4.https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM7.pdf
