TOXIC PFIESTERIA PISCICDA AND THE NEUSE ESTUARY

An open letter released to summer camps in Pamlico County from JoAnn M. Burkholder on 31 March 1997

The purpose of this letter is to respond to requests for information about the toxic dinoflagellate, Pfiesteria, and what is known about its activity in the Neuse Estuary. First, it is important to understand that Pfiesteria’s toxic stages generally are active only at certain times of year, and they are only known from certain areas in the Neuse Estuary.

Secondly, we have a good detection system for Pfiesteria, so that folks can know when there is an impending problem. When fish with bleeding sores are not common, and when a fish kill has not occurred for several days, then our data thus far indicate that boating activities may be safely conducted without problems from toxic Pfiesteria. The best visual indicator of Pfiesteria’s presence is open sores on a common type of fish in the Neuse, called the Atlantic menhaden; when 20% or more of the fish have such sores, it is a good sign that Pfiesteria is about to become active at levels where it would be wise for folks to avoid water contact. We also take water samples to confirm that Pfiesteria is active, and verify its activity in experiments back in our laboratory. We can get confirmation of the presence/absence of Pfiesteria within an hour after reaching our lab, so that the results can be conveyed quickly, on a routine basis, to camp staff.

I have promised the various children’s camps along the Neuse Estuary that my laboratory staff and I will be sampling the waters in the specific areas on at least a weekly basis, and more frequently during the June - October period when Pfiesteria is known to be active. This kind of sampling will enable us to provide an effective warning system for the camps in advance of Pfiesteria outbreaks, to ensure that children can be protected in case Pfiesteria becomes active. Our sampling/"watchdog" efforts will be helped by the fact that Pfiesteria generally first becomes active in areas that are a considerable distance from the camps, thereby giving us "advance notice" for some time before it may reach waters near the camps.

I also plan to conduct training sessions with camp staff on how to sample to help us detect the presence of Pfiesteria. This dinoflagellate is an organism with a biological "story" that has fascinated people of all age groups, from first graders to adults. I have promised to make presentations to the children at the camps about Pfiesteria and other environmental education topics. It is my hope that this information will help to enrich your child’s general understanding about the importance of our natural water resources, such as the magnificent Neuse Estuary.

Sincerely,

Signed JoAnn M. Burkholder
Associate Professor, Aquatic Botany & Marine Sciences
North Carolina State University

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