Sampling
of coastal surf zone, nearshore, and offshore waters for HABs eg. whole water, net tow samples, shellfish,
chlorophyll, toxin, nutrients, and basic meteorological and oceanographic
observations. Operation, logistical planning and coordination, and maintenance of Lightfish autonomous surface vehicle and water sampler.
Laboratory
analysis of phytoplankton, sea water, and shellfish for domoic acid and saxitoxin eg. HAB cell counts,
phytoplankton taxonomy, and detection of toxin with Jellett test strips and
plate reader using the ELISA method, chlorophyll analysis, and phytoplankton culturing.
Facilitation
of rapid responses to HAB occurrences, including spot sampling in remote
areas along the Washington coast and near shore waters and the occasional accommodation of other ORHAB
technician’s duties to maintain a regular database. Increase in sampling in event response spatially and temporally.
Public
outreach and education about ORHAB and HAB related issues eg. presentations
to local schools and colleges, community groups, distribution of outreach
materials, prominent presence at local public events in the form of booths
and public talks.
Determining
and coordinating the supply distribution, sample collection, and laboratory analysis
for the ORHAB monitoring program and reporting of combined data with comprehensive
analysis to ORHAB partners, regional researchers and managers, and public stakeholders.
Assuring
that collaborating coastal monitors in other agencies are sufficiently expert
to carry out accurate taxonomic identification of plankton species essential
to early warning of harmful algal blooms and development of appropriate
management responses. Instructing phytoplankton taxonomic identification and
HAB monitoring workshops eg. Washington Department of Health, Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA-NWFSC, UW School of Oceanography, Makah Tribe, Quileute Nation, Hoh Tribe, Quinault Indian Nation, Oregon Department of
Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Ecology, Northwest Indian College, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and University of Oregon.
Application
of new and emerging technologies for early detection and mitigation of HAB
impacts and the regular training of tribal and state and tribal ORHAB field technicians
in these methods and technologies for detection of HABs eg. enzyme linked Immuno-absorbent assay (ELISA) using a plate reader, LightFish ASV.
Fostering
and facilitating communication and data sharing between shellfish management
bodies and research institutions by regularly organizing meetings and training workshops.
Provision
of technical, analytical, and sampling support to related projects and entities.
