A new algal species has been described by scientists, Karenia cristata. This organism has taken over as the star player in a recent algal bloom that affected the coast of South Australia. This was the first time this remarkable species had ever been caught in Australian waters, so its appearance was exciting for scientists and conservationists as well. Invasive Asian clam Extensive water sampling conducted across 39 sites. Out of the five varieties they found, researchers found that Karenia cristata was the most evolved of the Karenia genus.
Fill the new scientific discovery has gigantic legal and public health implications for marine life and public health. Karenia cristata has been known to produce brevetoxins, which are capable of causing damage to humans and marine organisms. Consequently, state officials have extended their existing health advisories related to the toxic algal bloom. The establishment of this new species also brings up questions about where it came from and what it’s going to do to the local ecosystem.
Background on Karenia cristata
The discovery of Karenia cristata represents an exciting milestone in the study of algal species found on Australian shores. Until now, this species had only been found off the coasts of South Africa and Newfoundland, Canada. Its arrival in Australian waters signals the need for a hard look at how marine environments are changing to allow the spread of such invasive species.
Speaking to the challenge in identifying Karenia cristata, Professor Shauna Murray, one of the principal investigators on this study noted,
“These organisms are very difficult to tell apart — there are maybe 20, 25 different species that vary quite a lot from cell to cell and molecular techniques are fantastic for being able to give you a much clearer view of what organism you’re dealing with.” – Professor Shauna Murray
The research took advantage of cutting-edge molecular techniques to better identify Karenia cristata from closely-related opportunistic species. This new species adds Karenia mikimotoi, Karenia brevisulcata, Karenia longicanalis, and Karenia papilionacea. Each is an important cog in the wheel that is driving us toward yet another toxic algal bloom.
Implications for Marine Life and Public Health
Since Karenia cristata produces harmful toxins, health experts are urging residents and visitors to stay away from impacted areas. Health advisories still apply, people are encouraged to avoid foamy or discolored waters. Don’t eat any decaying fish you see floating by. Avoid eating self-harvested bivalve mollusks, which may be contaminated with brevetoxins produced by this algal species.
Mike Steer, the executive director at SARDI, reminded that Karenia cristata has turned into a less favorable, dominant species. He added that we don’t know yet if that’s been the case for the entire length of the bloom.
“So initially mikimotoi was identified as a key species in the composition and then we’ve seen that change over time, where cristata is starting to dominate, particularly through the colder period.” – Mike Steer
Steer emphasized that it’s something scientists have long and well-studied. He agrees that it’s a long shot to say that Karenia cristata came over in ballast water from ships.
“Early in my career I actually spent a fair amount of time working on ballast water as introduction mechanisms for these kinds of organisms, so it’s a hypothesis I’m quite familiar with. I think in this case it’s very unlikely.” – Mike Steer
Future Research Directions
The finding of Karenia cristata improves our understanding and gives us new tools to research algal blooms and their effects on marine environments. A collaborative industry-research team, with scientists from a variety of institutions across Australia, New Zealand and the British Isles has united. This collaboration highlights the global interest in learning more about this exciting phenomenon.
Associate Professor Chris Bolch was excited to learn that such an unusual organism was found in Australian waters.
“It was quite a surprise [to find Karenia cristata].” – Chris Bolch
Continued research seeks to describe the biology and ecology of Karenia cristata. Researchers are hoping to determine what type of threat this species may pose to regional marine ecosystems and human health.
