Summary
KBNERR and AK Harmful Algal Bloom Network collaborative Press Release, July 25, 2025
Initial blue mussel test results do not detect HAB toxins in Kachemak Bay
Homer, Alaska, 7/25/2025
The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) monitors phytoplankton (aka microalgae) on a weekly basis in Kachemak Bay from May-Oct. On behalf of KBNERR and the Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom (AHAB) Network, this message is a follow-up to the initial press release distributed on July 22, 2025.
Current Situation
Recently observed bird deaths, marine mammal strandings, and phytoplankton blooms in Kachemak Bay have caused community concern, and the AHAB Network is investigating the situation. Kachemak Bay mussel samples were collected by KBNERR and local partners, and were analyzed by AK Department of Environmental Conservation (AK DEC) this week. No Domoic Acid (DA) toxin was detected in these samples.
The AK Department of Health (AK DOH) is aware of the situation, and further communication related to public health will come directly from the AK DOH. KBNERR and the AHAB Network will distribute this information through our networks as it becomes available. Currently there are no human illnesses related to this situation.
Phytoplankton blooms in the summer are common, and most of them do not produce toxins. Pseudo-nitzschia (a chain-forming diatom) has been detected at bloom levels in Kachemak Bay since July 4, 2025. This diatom has the potential to produce the toxin, Domoic Acid (DA), although DA toxins have not previously been detected in association with these blooms in Kachemak Bay. Opportunistic testing by AKDEC in Alaska, since 2017, has not detected DA toxin events above human consumption regulatory limits to date.
Mussels expel the DA very quickly, so this test result does not indicate if there is or is not DA toxin present in other species in the food web. Pseudo-nitzschia blooms are commonly seen in Kachemak Bay in the summer. Domoic Acid is associated with Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning. Learn more about harmful algal blooms in Alaska and this specific kind of shellfish poisoning here and for more resources visit the AHAB website.
The cause(s) of the recently observed bird deaths and marine mammal strandings in Kachemak Bay are still not known and are under investigation. Coordinated sampling and testing is underway with numerous federal, state, and Tribal partners to assess possible causes, and it will take time to complete laboratory tests and analyze results of bird and marine mammal necropsies and samples.
The KBNERR is not a regulatory agency. KBNERR will continue to analyze phytoplankton samples weekly for the rest of the summer. To get monitoring results, sign up to receive Phytoplankton Weekly Reports by email, and learn more: https://kachemakbayreserve.org/science/monitoring/#algal-blooms
*The state of Alaska’s stance for wild shellfish is “harvest and eat at your own risk.”
*For information on regulations associated with the subsistence harvest of shellfish in Cook Inlet please contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game office in Homer at 907-235-8191.
*All commercially harvested shellfish are strictly tested for PST and regulated by the DEC and considered safe for consumption. 907-269-7501
https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/fss/shellfish/recreational-harvesting/
Thank you to the following entities collaborating at local and statewide levels to understand the situation:
- Alaska Harmful Algal Bloom (AHAB) Network
- Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS)
- Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) is a partnership between NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management and the University of Alaska Anchorage
- NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Kasitsna Bay Laboratory
- Seldovia Village Tribe
- Chugach Regional Resources Commission and Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute
- US Fish & Wildlife Service, AK Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
- US Geological Survey
- NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
- AK DEC, Food Safety and Sanitation
- AK DEC, Environmental Health Lab
- AK DOH, Epidemiology
- AK DEC, Office of the State Vet
- AK Department of Fish & Game
Please use the following hotlines if you notice anything unusual:
Human health concerns, If you are experiencing symptoms of shellfish poisoning call 911 or your local health care provider immediately.
Alaska Health Care Providers who suspect or diagnose a disease that represents a public health emergency should immediately call 1-907-269-8000 during business hours or 1-800-478-0084 after hours.
Birds – US Fish & Wildlife Service is leading this effort. For your safety, do not handle any sick birds or birds that are found dead. If you observe dead seabirds or encounter a sick or dead wild bird and the cause is not immediately apparent please call the Alaska Sick or Dead Bird Hotline at (866)-527-3358. Instructions on how to report: www.fws.gov/alaska-bird-sick-abandoned-injured-dead
Marine Mammals – NOAA Fisheries Alaska Statewide 24-Hour Stranding Hotline
For injured/stranded whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins Phone: (877) 925-7773. Or the AK SeaLife Center: 888-774-7325
For questions and concerns about Harmful Algal Blooms, email Rosie Masui, KBNERR’s AHAB Network Engagement Lead: rmmasui@alaska.edu