The ASP organism is a phytoplankton called Pseudo-nitzschia spp. that produces a toxin called domoic acid. When domoic acid in sampled mussels reaches unacceptable levels, the DMR closes shellfish beds in the area. This has not yet occurred in Schoodic, but it’s a good idea for the time being to call the DMR’s shellfish sanitation hotline at 1-800-232-4733 before you harvest your own mussels.
In the Gulf of Maine, Pseudo-nitzschia spp. is one of three toxic phytoplankton species of concern that Marine Environmental Research Institute (MERI) routinely monitors as part of its Blue Hill Bay Coastal Monitoring Program May through October, participating in the DMR’s coast-wide Phytoplankton Monitoring Network, which serves as an early warning system for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) along the coast of Maine.
