Day 22 - June 2
Weather Report
Time: 4:20 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Air Temperature: 10 Degrees Celsius
Sea Temperature: 14 Degrees Celsius
Wind Speed: 5.5 Knots
Water Depth: 265.5 Meters
Ship's Speed: 9.2 Knots
Latitude: N 52.03
Longitude: W 130.43
Today we are southeast of the Queen Charlotte Islands. The
air temperature is a bit warmer as is the water temperature.
Visibility is limited. Fortunately, for mariners and land
lovers alike, weather forecasting is highly publicized. This can
save lives. Harmful algal blooms (HAB's) in Maine are predicted
along with the weather, and the transference of toxins through the food
web to humans is prevented.
A toxin influencing the Pacific Northwest is domoic
acid. The toxin is produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia.
Each year two to four million razor clams are harvested along the
Washington coast, according to The Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful
Algal Blooms Program in the Pacific Northwest (ECOHAB PNW).
High levels of domoic acid off the coast of Washington have
closed the fishery for lengthy periods of time.
Domoic acid transferred through the food web has killed
zooplankton, shellfish, fish, birds, marine mammals, and humans
as stated in the article, "ECOHAB Pacific Northwest." The article
states, "Domoic acid poisoning's most serious symptom is short-term
memory loss that can be permanent."
Why should people in Maine be concerned with what's
happening in the Pacific Northwest? According to Dr. Mark Wells,
cases have been reported in Prince Edward Island. By supporting
scientific research, you can help. For more information, visit
www.ecohabpnw.org. Where are my keys?
Send comments and questions to Mr. Caddigan
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