Deployment: OC440

GOMTOX: Dynamics of Alexandrium fundyense distributions in the Gulf of Maine: an observational and modeling study of nearshore and offshore shellfish toxicity, vertical toxin flux, and bloom dynamics in a complex shelf sea.

The main scientific research objective is to determine the interannual and interdecadal distribution of Alexandrium fundyense (red tide) cysts in the Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy and onto Georges Bank as time permits. This will be the 3rd annual cyst survey onboard the R/V Oceanus. At each station, a Craib Corer will be deployed to sample surficial bottom sediments (top 3cm). Cores will be sectioned and processed on the way to each station.

Science activities planned include Craib coring and CTD casts.

Scientific personnel:
Mr. Bruce Keafer, Chief Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Kerry Norton, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Scott McCue, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Ms. Lauren Heinen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Ms. Hannah Blossom, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Luciano Fernandes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Valery Kosnyrev, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Patrick Curran, Sea Education Association
Mr. Dane Percy, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
Ms. Murielle LeGresley, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ms. Heather McCrae, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Mr. Christopher Hunt, University of New Hampshire
Mr. Shawn Shellito, University of New Hampshire
Ms. Bryn Warren, Northeastern University guest student
Ms. Theresa Hattenrath, State University of New York
Mr. Alexander Dorsk, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

WHOI cruise planning synopsis

Cruise information and original data are available from the NSF R2R data catalog.