The successional formation and release of domoic acid in a Pseudo-nitzschia bloom in the Juan de Fuca Eddy: A drifter study

Abstract

Blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia species are frequent, but presently unpredictable, in the Juan de Fuca Eddy region off the coasts of Washington (US) and British Columbia (Canada). This upwelling eddy region is proposed to be the bloom commencement site, before cells are entrained into the coastal surface currents. During a shipboard study, we characterized the different stages of the Pseudo-nitzschia bloom development from its initiation and intensification, to its eventual sinking and dissipation. Specifically, we followed a water mass using lagrangian ARGOS-tracked drifters released at the eddy water mass and quantified production of dissolved and particulate domoic acid, and the physiological status of the Pseudo-nitzschia cells with regards to photosynthesis, nutrient needs and sinking rates, along with its relationship with competing species – in this case, the marine euglenoid, Eutreptiella spp. The drifter study allows for an interpretation of the presence or absence of Pseudo-nitzschia and domoic acid against active environmental factors – particularly copper and iron.