Field ecology of toxic Pfiesteria complex species and a conservative analysis of their role in estuarine fish kills.

Abstract

strengthen the science of fish kill assessment related to Pfiesteria and/or other causative factors.

Harmful algal blooms and eutrophication: Examining linkages from selected coastal regions of the United States

“…Well-established to be stimulated by eutrophication (Heil et al, 2005; Rothenberger, 2007; Glibert et al, 2008), this species frequently blooms following precipitation events that add significant quantities of nutrients. Blooms are most common in late winter-spring (Albemarle-Pamlico) through early summer (Chesapeake Bay) following major agricultural fertilizer applications (Glibert et al, 2001; Springer et al, 2005; Tango et al, 2005). These blooms now appear to be 10- to 100-fold higher in maximum density in Chesapeake Bay than blooms of the same organism recorded a few decades ago (Tyler and Seliger, 1978).…”

“…( Pfiesteria piscicida, P. shumwayae ), which mostly have affected the Albemarle-Pamlico and Chesapeake Bay (Burkholder and Glasgow, 1997; Burkholder et al, 2005; Glibert et al, 2001, 2006a; Marshall et al, 2006; Moeller et al, 2007; Lewitus et al, 2008). Field studies with supporting laboratory experiments have shown that Pfiesteria spp.…”

“…Field studies with supporting laboratory experiments have shown that Pfiesteria spp. thrive in nutrient over-enriched estuaries where they consume cryptophytes and other microbial prey when preferred fish resources are not available (Burkholder and Glasgow, 1997; Lewitus et al, 1999b; Glasgow et al, 2001; Parrow et al, 2002). They can also act as mixotrophs by retaining kleptochloroplasts from cryptophytes for short periods, apparently used to augment their nutrition (Lewitus et al, 1999b).…”

“…depend mostly on grazing for their nutrient supplies, but can also take up dissolved nutrients directly (Burkholder and Glasgow, 1997; Lewitus et al, 1999a,b; Burkholder et al, 2001; Glibert et al 2006a). Pfiesteria outbreaks in Chesapeake Bay tributaries also have been associated with high DON and DOC levels (Glibert et al, 2001). For all samples collected from 2000–2001 in Chesapeake Bay (n = 1,614 for water and 156 for sediment), the average urea concentration was an excellent predictor of the percent positive detection of Pfiesteria in sediments and in the water column (Glibert et al, 2004a).…”

Pfiesteria in Estuarine Waters: The Question of Health Risks

“…Numerous kills were reported in the Chesapeake and North Carolina estuaries through 1998 in association with Pfiesteria -like zoospore concentrations of 600–35,000 cells/mL water (Glasgow 2001). Grattan et al (1998) previously reported relationships between impairment and increased time spent in Chesapeake estuaries.…”