HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.c. Receive update on the Heterosigma Akashiwo [algal] bloom in the San Francisco Bay Page 1 of 2
Item 5.c.
CENTRAL SAN
September 21, 2022
TO: REAL ESTATE, ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING COMMITTEE
FROM: LORI SCHECTEL, ENVIRONMENTALAND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
DIVISION MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: ROGER S. BAILEY, GENERAL MANAGER
SUBJECT: RECEIVE UPDATE ON THE HETEROSIGMAAKASHIWO [ALGAL] BLOOM
IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY
Summary of Heterosigma akashiwo (HAB) bloom in San Francisco Bay:
(1) Late July 2022: I nitial evidence of bloom detected around Alameda/Oakland; identified as HAB
(California Department of Public Health (CDPH); August 4, 2022).
(2) Toxic to fish (ichthyotoxic), although toxin/toxicity-mechanism not well characterized.
(3) Over the past approximate 30 years, HAB has been detected with moderate frequency in San
Francisco Bay, but generally at low abundances (in 2004 there was a small bloom in the South Bay).
(4) Early August: bloom spread to open-bay regions of South Bay. Mid-August: bloom expanded over
large swaths of South Bay, some evidence that it may be expanding into Central Bay, and possibly San
Pablo Bay. Not too much information as to the occurrence in Suisun Bay.
(5) San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) and other scientists from the United States Geological Survey
(USGS) and elsewhere, along with Baykeeper, have been actively monitoring the Bay.
(6) Fish kills have been seen in different parts of the Bay and Lake Merritt.
(7) Nutrient loads from Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) are lower than they have been
historically.
(8) Bay Area Clean Water Agencies (BACWA) produced talking points and the BACWA Executive
Director was interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle (a lot of media attention).
(9) Regional Water Board Executive Director emphasized in the media that regulatory action would
continue to be guided by science and discussed the cost of upgrading facilities for nutrient removal bay-
wide.
(10) This event is dynamic and changing in real-time; additional information to be provided verbally at the
Committee meeting.
September 21, 2022 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 20 of 23
Page 2 of 2
Strategic Plan Tie-In
GOAL TWO:Environmental Stewardship
Strategy 1 -Achieve compliance in all regulations, Strategy 2- Educate on pollution prevention and environmental
protection
September 21, 2022 REEP Committee Meeting Agenda Packet- Page 21 of 23