Pseudo-nitzschia in the Gulf of Maine: investigating bloom dynamics, species introduction, and climate change implications with observations and models
Pseudo-nitzschia in the Gulf of Maine: investigating bloom dynamics, species introduction, and climate change implications with observations and models
Date
2021-01
Authors
Clark, Suzanna
Linked Authors
Person
Alternative Title
Citable URI
As Published
Date Created
Location
DOI
10.1575/1912/26851
Related Materials
Replaces
Replaced By
Keywords
Harmful algal blooms
Modeling
Gulf of Maine
Modeling
Gulf of Maine
Abstract
The apparent global increase in harmful algal blooms (HABs) includes Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Gulf of Maine, where shellfishery closures can cost millions of dollars. Temperatures in the gulf are warming, which can affect the severity of some HABs. Yet Pseudo-nitzschia in the region are understudied.
Pseudo-nitzschia bloom dynamics, P. australis introduction, and potential future changes thereof were investigated in the Gulf of Maine. Data from ship surveys and moorings were used, as well as hydrodynamic, climate, and Lagrangian particle tracking models. Pseudonitzschia bloom toxicity was driven primarily by species composition, not environmental factors. P. australis was introduced to the region in 2016 via a coastal current from the Scotian Shelf. Climate change might intensify Pseudo-nitzschia blooms, shift bloom timing 1–2 weeks earlier in the spring or 4–6 weeks later in the fall, or lengthen the growing season by 3 weeks. It might also affect species composition and connectivity within the gulf. This work has implications for the monitoring of current and future blooms in the Gulf of Maine and for our understanding of HAB introduction to the region. It can also
be used to develop predictive models for Pseudo-nitzschia, which could be applied to other HABs.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Oceanography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution June 2021.
Embargo Date
Citation
Clark, S. (2021). Pseudo-nitzschia in the Gulf of Maine: investigating bloom dynamics, species introduction, and climate change implications with observations and models [Doctoral thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution]. Woods Hole Open Access Server. https://doi.org/10.1575/1912/26851