The implications of Alexandrium tamarense resting cysts in an area of shellfish aquaculture in Ireland

Abstract

The Irish Marine Institute's Fisheries Research Centre carry out a monitoring programme for the detection of algal toxins in shellfish. This programme is carried out under EU Directive 91/492. During the course of this programme the North Channel area of Cork Harbour has been the only location in Ireland where toxins causing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been detected in shellfish above the regulatory limit. For short periods during each of the summers of 1996,1997 and 1998, PSP toxins were found in mussels{Mytilus edulis) from this area above the regulatory limit period necessitating a ban on harvesting. Oysters {Crassostrea gigas) from the same area remained below the regulatory threshold. The dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense, a known vector of PSP toxins, was observed in the area during each of the toxic events. The exact origin of the populations of A. tamarense was unknown. A. tamarense is known to produce a cyst stage as part of its life cycle. These cysts can remain viable in the sediments for several years. A survey of the distribution of cysts of A. tamarense in the surface sediments in Cork Harbour was carried out in order to determine if they were potentially seeding the area. They were detected in 6 sites, and successfully germinated to yield vegetative cells. The results of the survey are presented and discussed.