The Challenge
Climate change is predicted to impact many of the environmental conditions (water temperature, salinity, weather patterns, increased atmospheric CO2, sea level rise) that influence the growth of harmful algal bloom (HAB) organisms. Scientists and resource managers worldwide have documented increased frequency, severity and geographic distribution of HAB organisms, and we are experiencing the same in Massachusetts waters. Several of the HABs impacting Massachusetts waters produce potent toxins that threaten public health, food security, and economic viability of the shellfish industry which contributes to Massachusetts’ Blue Economy. In order to effectively manage, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of HABs, there is a need to enhance the methodological capabilities of DMF’s Shellfish laboratories. The ability to implement modern methods of toxin detection in DMF’s shellfish labs would increase public health protection, minimize the need for precautionary shellfish closures, increase the efficiency by which we can reopen shellfish growing areas impacted by HAB biotoxins, and sunset the use of the mouse bioassay method.
Project Scope
In order to effectively manage, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of HABs, there is a need to enhance the methodological capabilities of DMF’s Shellfish laboratories. The ability to implement modern methods of toxin detection in DMF’s shellfish labs would increase public health protection, minimize the need for precautionary shellfish closures, increase the efficiency by which we can reopen shellfish growing areas impacted by HAB biotoxins, and sunset the use of the mouse bioassay method.
Metrics
The progress of this project can be measured in additional public health protection capabilities associated with modernized toxin detection in shellfish and the elimination of mouse bioassay toxin detection method.
Results
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) equipment is currently being outfitted in two laboratories (Gloucester and New Bedford). Equipment training is currently underway. HPLC testing is expected to be implemented for the next biotoxin monitoring season (March 2025). Additional response capabilities around climate events with potential to impact public health – seafood.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned
Pending - laboratory equipment set up and staff training are currently underway.
Project Alignment with ResilientMass Plan Priority Actions
This project contributes to the following priority sectors under the 2023 State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Plan: Human Health (seafood consumers), Environment (healthy shellfish habitat), Economy (shellfishing). This project directly addresses the Economy Urgent Priority Impact: Decrease in Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture Productivity, Action 3: Enhance environmental monitoring capabilities for harmful algal blooms and shellfish borne illness.
Further Action
Completion of equipment installation and training will happen in the next 4-6 months.