Pseudo-nitzschia in the Gulf of Maine: investigating bloom dynamics, species introduction, and climate change implications with observations and models
Name
Clark-scclark-PhD-EAPS-2021-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
17.54 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
7977eedbc3a2ff9b076f73281c5eba88
Author(s)
Clark, Suzanna C.
Advisor(s)
Ralston, David K.
Date Issued
June 2021
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
The apparent global increase in harmful algal blooms (HABs) includes Pseudo-nitzschia blooms in the Gulf of Maine, where shellfishery closures can cost millions of dollars. Temperatures in the gulf are warming, which can affect the severity of some HABs. Yet Pseudo-nitzschia in the region are understudied.
Pseudo-nitzschia bloom dynamics, P. australis introduction, and potential future changes thereof were investigated in the Gulf of Maine. Data from ship surveys and moorings were used, as well as
hydrodynamic, climate, and Lagrangian particle tracking models. Pseudo-nitzschia bloom toxicity was driven primarily by species composition, not environmental factors. P. australis was introduced to the region in 2016 via a coastal current from the Scotian Shelf. Climate change might intensify Pseudo-nitzschia blooms, shift bloom timing
1–2 weeks earlier in the spring or 4–6 weeks later in the fall, or lengthen the growing season by 3 weeks. It might also affect species composition and connectivity within the gulf. This work has implications for the monitoring of current and future blooms in the
Gulf of Maine and for our understanding of HAB introduction to the region. It can also be used to develop predictive models for Pseudo-nitzschia, which could be applied to other HABs.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
Terms of Use
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
Copyright retained by author(s)
Persistent DSpace Link
