Harmful Algal Blooms in the Alaskan Arctic: An Emerging Threat as the Ocean Warms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) present an emerging threat to human and ecosystem health in the Alaskan Arctic. Two HAB toxins are of concern region: saxitoxins (STXs), a family compounds produced by dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella, domoic acid (DA), multiple species diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia. These potent neurotoxins cause paralytic amnesic shellfish poisoning, respectively, humans, can accumulate marine organisms through food web transfer, causing illness mortality among suite wildlife species. With pronounced warming Arctic, along with enhanced transport cells from southern waters, there is significant potential for more frequent larger HABs both types. STXs DA have been detected tissues range region, many which important resources local residents. The unique nature including difficult logistical access, lack response infrastructure, reliance coastal populations on noncommercial acquisition nutritional, cultural, economic well-being, poses urgent challenges as this region warms impacts expands.