[Rimarinefisheries] Shellfish monitoring in Narragansett Bay

[rimarinefisheries at listserve.ri.gov]

To our Colleagues and Partners in the Commercial Fishing, Recreational Fishing, and Shellfishing Industries, and to Stakeholders and Neighbors who care about Narragansett Bay:

Good news: after two days of careful monitoring and testing of water and shellfish samples collected at seven locations throughout Narragansett Bay and coastal waters, the RI Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Resources and Division of Marine Fisheries along with the RI Department of Health are pleased to inform you that toxicity levels for both phytoplankton and mussels came back very low for all samples (<0.08ug/g domoic acid) today.

Because there is no threat to public health or birds and marine life, there was no need for state government to officially notify the public by means of a press release and media coverage. Because you work on the water and depend on its bounty for your livelihood, however, we want to make you aware of our actions and findings even though it’s well past the close of the regular business day.

Harmful algae blooms (HAB) are naturally occurring. The cause is not known. These blooms occur when colonies of algae — simple plants that live in the sea and freshwater — grow out of control. Sometimes these algae blooms can become so intense that the blooms can harm fish and shellfish and the mammals (including humans) that eat them. RIDEM regularly monitors local marine waters for the presence and level of various species of phytoplankton. RIDEM and RIDOH analyze water and shellfish samples from local waters for the presence and abundance of phytoplankton that are known to cause public health issues.
Please know that RIDEM and RIDOH prioritize your safety and well-being. We will continue to collect and closely monitor water and shellfish samples and inform you of any important developments. Of course, in the event of a toxic algae bloom, we would publicize it pursuant to the protocols of the joint RIDEM-RIDOH monitoring and contingency plan (http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/benviron/water/shellfsh/pdf/habplan.pdf).


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