Abstract: Effective management of finfish stocks to avoid or mitigate the threat of fish-killing phytoplankton is of increasing concern, particularly in temperate seas. Intensive spatial and temporal sampling is required to monitor and quantify potentially harmful species, so that prior warning can be received of an imminent bloom. The use of large-subunit rRNA (LSU rRNA)-targeted oligonucleotide probes based on the sandwich hybridization assay to detect the fragile species Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada and Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi & Takano (Raphidophyceae) is disclosed. Species-specific sandwich hybridization assays were successfully developed for various Raphidophytes.

Abstract: Effective management of finfish stocks to avoid or mitigate the threat of fish-killing phytoplankton is of increasing concern, particularly in temperate seas. Intensive spatial and temporal sampling is required to monitor and quantify potentially harmful species, so that prior warning can be received of an imminent bloom. The use of large-subunit rRNA (LSU rRNA)-targeted oligonucleotide probes based on the sandwich hybridization assay to detect the fragile species Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada and Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi & Takano (Raphidophyceae) is disclosed. Species-specific sandwich hybridization assays were successfully developed for various Raphidophytes.

Abstract: An aquatic autosampler device for frequent collection of discrete samples of microorganisms at various locations and depths. The aquatic autosampler device moves a filter disk within a filter housing from a filter carousel into a filter housing holder. The filter housing holder, slidably mounted on a linear shuttle, moves the filter housing into a process position, where a syringe draws fluid in through a valve manifold and through the filter disk to collect samples on the filter disk. Reagents may then be passed over the filter disk to enable image-based identification and quantification of the cells on the filter disk. An imaging system on the autosampler may capture a fluorescent image of the microorganisms on the filter disk and store the image in a control computer. The filter housing may then be returned to the filter carousel for storage and further lab processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for detecting species of Pseudo-nitzschia from a marine sample. Oligonucleotide probes for rRNA hypervariable regions of the Psuedo-nitzschia species: P. australis, P. pungens, P. multiseries, P. pseudodelicatissima, P. heimii, P. fraudulenta, P. delicatissima, and P. americana are provided as well as a oligonucleotide probe for a conserved region of ribosomal RNA from Pseudo-nitzschia.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences from various species of Alexandrium are described. The sequences are used to construct nucleotide probes for assaying samples to determine the presence of selected species of Alexandrium.