Phytoplankton net tow samples, shellfish toxin concentrations, and ocean chemistry parameters collected in lower Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound, and the lower Copper River Delta, 2022 to 2023

The Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC) is a Tribal consortium representing seven Tribes in the Prince William Sound and lower Cook Inlet regions of Alaska. CRRC operates the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI), located in Seward. The Chugach Region Ocean Monitoring (CROM) employs Tribal technicians in each of CRRC's member communities to conduct bi-weekly marine sampling and environmental data collection. Samples collected are sent to APMI along with field data for analysis.

Analyses for this project include identification of harmful phytoplankton species and quantification of shellfish toxins, dissolved inorganic carbon, and nutrients. Phytoplankton are collected via net tows and analyzed using microscopy and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine abundance of Alexandrium spp. and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Shellfish samples undergo biotoxin testing using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or receptor binding assay to quantify total paralytic shellfish toxin and domoic acid concentrations. Dissolved inorganic carbon measurements in seawater samples are conducted on a Burke-o-Lator and include TCO2, pCO2, salinity, and total alkalinity. Nutrient parameters include nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and phosphorus. Regular data reports are disseminated to both Tribal members and the general public via the CRRC/APMI websites, Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom Network, Alaska Ocean Acidification Network, newsletters, and social media outlets. Final data from this program will be utilized to provide a comprehensive view of baseline oceanic conditions across the costal Gulf of Alaska. The CROM program has built regional Tribal capacity through CRRC/APMI to monitor and study the precipitating factors and incidences of paralytic shellfish poisoning in native shellfish to support safe and sustainable harvest opportunities for both local communities and the shellfish industry in southcentral Alaska.

DISCLAIMER: these data were collected by Chugach Regional Resources Commission (CRRC) with support from the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council and EPA Indian General Assistance Program funds utilizing CRRC staff and community samplers. In raw form, CRRC cannot guarantee the validity of data and user notes that it may change during post processing. All data and information are provided "as is" for informational purposes only and is not intended for making conclusions about the nearshore environment or waters within the Chugach region. CRRC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding data accuracy, completeness, or use. CRRC cannot advise on harvest decisions regarding presence of biotoxins in shellfish. The federal regulatory limit for saxitoxin is 80ug(SXT)/100g(tissue) and for domoic acid is 2mg(DA)/100g(tissue). By using these data, Eyak Tribe acknowledges that data provided may not be accurate and are being used at your own sole risk. Data analysis of any kind must be completed in tandem with CRRC. Likewise, any publications where these data are used, CRRC must be properly acknowledged.