Potentially toxic phytoplankton counts from water samples collected from shellfish growing areas in Jersey from 2004 to 2019

Counts (in cells per litre) of potentially toxic algal cells for The States of Jersey analysed using the Utermohl method with light microscopy. These data are from water samples collected from designated shellfish growing areas around the coast of Jersey for the period 01/4/2004 - 31/3/2019. Samples are collected by Jersey governmental officers using sampling protocols provided by Cefas. Enumeration is by the Utermohl method using high-power, inverted microscopes and well-trained personnel. Potentially toxic phytoplankton identified to genera or species level. and enumeration of marine phytoplankton. Cefas have also developed UKAS 17025 accredited and detailed SOPs for the delivery of a comprehensive service from sample receipt to timely reporting of analytical results to the customer. The plankton laboratory at Cefas Lowestoft has been UKAS accredited for phytoplankton analysis since 2007. All laboratory procedures are conducted in compliance with the UKNRL SOP for the identification. The concentration of algae which trigger additional sampling are: Alexandrium sp (PSP): Presence of cells in sample; Dinophysiaceae / P. lima (DSP): 100 cells/litre; Pseudonitzschia sp (ASP): 150,000 cells/litre. Prorocentrum cordatum/minimum became part of the programme from 2010 onwards. Post 2010 Karenia was not recorded as it is a non-reportable taxa.