01/20/2026
🧪Testing the Waters (literally):
MAS CSP student Naomi Howard (.nh_) conducting sampling as part of the Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Alert Program (California HABMAP). 🌊
The Coastal Ocean Observing Lab here at Scripps maintains weekly sampling at the Scripps Pier in order to observe a number of core measurements, including taxonomy and abundance of harmful algal bloom species, as well as domoic acid concentrations. Domoic acid is a potent neurotoxin generated by some species of Pseudo-nitzschia (a species harmful algal bloom) that can cause shellfish poisoning. 🦠
This testing is critical for determining safety precautions related to marine economies, ecosystems, and the public. 🌏