July 12, 2009 - Tioga Update



	Enlarge Image Alexandrium live counts, R/V Tioga, July 12, 2009 (WHOI / D. Anderson and D. McGillicuddy laboratories)

We were able to get out Sunday on R/V Tioga. Sampling consisted of (1) underway surface counts on a south-to-north line in transit to the Cape Ann line, (2) full hydrographic stations in along the Cape Ann line, and (3) full hydrographic stations on the eastern half of the Boston line.

As you will see in the attached map, cell counts were low in Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays. The western part of the Cape Ann line was devoid of cells, but offshore the numbers were high, peaking at over 7000 cells per liter. Due to time constraints we were unable to delimit the offshore edge of the population, as the easternmost station was near 2000 cells per liter. Greater than >50% of the total population were planozygotes at that offshore station. Given the satellite imagery circulated on Saturday, it seems logical to infer that this offshore population is connected with the extreme bloom conditions along the coast to the north and west. However, these data suggest the southern extent of that population has not gone much further south than the Cape Ann line, at least in surface waters. We expect that information on the deeper samples (10, 20, and 30m) will be forthcoming in the near future.

Special thanks to the crew of the R/V Tioga, Capt. Ken Houtler, mate Ian Hanley, and relief Capt. Willy. Their hard work and dedication were an essential ingredient of the success of yesterday's mission. Thanks also to other members of the science party who put in long hours of their weekend to make this happen: Bibiana Crespo, Keston Smith, and Emily Brownlee.

Cheers,

Bruce Keafer and Dennis McGillicuddy

Last updated: July 14, 2009