How changing oceans are affecting toxins in shellfish
Changing Oceans Affect Shellfish Toxins
This project predicts when and where Alaska shellfish will carry dangerous paralytic toxins so coastal and tribal communities can harvest more safely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sitka Tribe of Alaska NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sitka, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11387540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working with Southeast Alaska Tribal Ocean Research and local tribal partners to combine thousands of shellfish test results, environmental sensor data, satellite measurements, and traditional ecological knowledge. They will use machine learning and statistical models alongside lab analyses of specific toxin types to track how warming and ocean acidification change toxin production by Alexandrium algae. The team will map seasonal and location-specific patterns and develop forecasts of high-risk harvest periods. Findings will be shared with coastal communities to improve warnings and guidance for subsistence shellfish harvesters.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are coastal Alaska community members, especially Alaska Native shellfish harvesters, who can contribute local observations, samples, or traditional knowledge.
Not a fit: People who do not eat or collect local shellfish or who live far from affected Alaska coasts are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could provide clearer forecasts and guidance to help people avoid paralytic shellfish poisoning.
How similar studies have performed: Local and tribal monitoring programs have successfully detected harmful algal blooms before, but combining long-term community data with machine learning and congener-specific toxin analysis is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Sitka, United States
- Sitka Tribe of Alaska — Sitka, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harley, John — Sitka Tribe of Alaska
- Study coordinator: Harley, John
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.