Autecology of the diatom Pseudonitzschia australis, a domoic acid producer, from Monterey Bay, California

Abstract

Pseudonitzschia australis has been identified as the domoic acid producer responsible for pelican mortalities and shellfish and other seafood quarantines on the west coast of the United States. During autumn 1991, Monterey Bay was the focus of the highest reported concentration of domoic acid in shellfish and anchovies. Maximum abundance of the diatom, recorded in November 1991, was in excess of 6 × 105 cells 1-1. Per cell domoic acid concentrations in October and November 1991 ranged from 3-31 pg and water column burdens ranged from 0.1-6.7 μg 1-1. In their tissues, anchovies contained quantitites of domoic acid equivalent to 2 d worth of ration, implying high incorporation and/or low depuration rates. (See also 93L/06297). -from Authors