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Shifts and stasis in marine HAB monitoring in New Zealand

  • Molecular tools for monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms
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Abstract

This review article outlines harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring practices in New Zealand and highlights the shift from light microscope (LM)-based identification and quantification of the early 1990s to the use of molecular tools to support the HAB monitoring programmes two decades later. Published research and available client information from the monitoring programmes have been reviewed; HAB events and programme changes are highlighted. The current HAB monitoring practices allow for rapid determination of potential biotoxin issues for the shellfish industry and of potential ichthyotoxic events for finfish farmers. The use of molecular tools, including quantitative PCR, has improved risk assessments for those HAB species that are difficult to differentiate to species level using LM. This has enabled rapid feedback to aquaculture managers during HAB events. Tests for biotoxins in flesh remain the regulatory tools for commercially harvested shellfish, but this is supported by the weekly phytoplankton monitoring data. Recreational (non-commercial) shellfish harvesting and commercial finfish aquaculture rely solely on phytoplankton monitoring to assess the biotoxin risk. HAB monitoring in New Zealand continues to maintain internationally recognised standards, and the government-funded research programmes feed the latest knowledge and technical methods into the programmes. The early dependence on light microscopy continues but is now supported by molecular tools, with a view to employing multi-species detection systems in the future. The traditional mouse bioassay test has been fully replaced by chemical tests.

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Acknowledgments

Cawthron Institute Biotoxin and Micro-algae Laboratory clients kindly allowed the use of their results. Thanks to Phil Busby (MAF FSA), Helen Smale (Marlborough Shellfish Quality Programme) and Grant Lovell (NZ King Salmon Co. Ltd.) for comments on the draft paper. The review was supported by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (NZ)-funded programmes (contracts CAWXO703 and CAWXO804).

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  1. Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax East, Private Bag 2, Nelson, New Zealand

    Lesley Rhodes, Kirsty Smith & Catherine Moisan

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  1. Lesley Rhodes
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  2. Kirsty Smith
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  3. Catherine Moisan
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Correspondence to Lesley Rhodes.

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Responsible editor: Philippe Garrigues

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Rhodes, L., Smith, K. & Moisan, C. Shifts and stasis in marine HAB monitoring in New Zealand. Environ Sci Pollut Res 20, 6872–6877 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0898-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-012-0898-9

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