U.S. Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center – Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Laboratory 20220711 2026-02-19 tabular digital data Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins in Seabirds, Forage Fish, and Marine Invertebrates Across Alaska ver 6.0, September 2025 Anchorage, Alaska U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center Suggested Citation: U.S. Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center – Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Laboratory, 2022, Harmful algal bloom toxins in seabirds, forage fish, and marine invertebrates across Alaska (ver 6.0, September 2025; updated: 2026-02-19): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MLNP9H https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MLNP9H These data include results from screening tissues of marine organisms for the presence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins: saxitoxin and its related congeners (STX) and domoic acid (DA). Samples collected by USGS or submitted to our laboratory by partners or other stakeholders are screened using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A subset of samples containing detectable levels of STX were subsequently analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The dataset consists of one table the ELISA test results for STX and DA and HPLC summary results for STX for birds, fish, and invertebrates. Some of these data have been previously published in other USGS data releases: https://www.doi.org/10.5066/P9UNY0FR and https://www.doi.org/10.5066/P9OK4I8M. These data were collected by USGS staff, partners, and other stakeholders to understand the presence of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins throughout coastal portions of Alaska. 2015 2025 observed In work As needed Coastal Regions of Alaska -179.47 -127.26 71.74 50.73 USGS Metadata Identifier USGS:ASC466 ISO 19115 Topic Category Biota Environment NASA GCMD Earth Science Keyword Thesaurus Animals/Vertebrates Fish Birds Albatrosses/Petrels and Allies Waders/Gulls/Auks and Allies Mollusks Bivalves Benthic habitat Pelagic habitat Estuarine habitat Animals/Invertebrates Plankton Phytoplankton USGS CSA Biocomplexity Thesaurus Coastal fisheries Coastal resources Migratory birds Birds Aquatic birds Algal blooms Toxins USGS Thesaurus Wildlife Marine ecosystems Health and disease Wildlife disease Migratory species Macroinvertebrates Benthos Coastal ecosystems Aquatic ecosystems Pathology Water quality NIH MeSH Thesaurus Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Immunologic techniques Diagnosis Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Harmful algal bloom Toxicity Saxitoxin None Seabirds HABS Forage fish Domoic acid USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) Alaska Aleutians East Borough Aleutians West Census Area Bethel Census Area Bristol Bay Borough Chugach Census Area Juneau City and Borough Kenai Peninsula Borough Kodiak Island Borough Lake and Peninsula Borough Matanuska-Susitna Borough Municipality of Anchorage Nome Census Area North Slope Borough Northwest Arctic Borough Yakutat City and Borough None Aves Teleostei Malacostraca Bivalvia ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System Unknown online database online ITIS-North America Taxonomic details retrieved August 28, 2024 from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) online database https://www.itis.gov https://doi.org/10.5066/F7KH0KBK Clements, J.F. Rasmussen, P.C. Schulenberg, T.S. Iliff, M.J. Fredericks, T.A. Gerbracht, J.A. Lepage, D. Spencer, A. Billerman, S.M. Sullivan, B.L. Wood, C.L. 2023 online database online Cornell Lab of Ornithology Clements, J.F., Rasmussen, P.C., Schulenberg, T.S., Iliff, M.J., Fredericks, T.A., Gerbracht, J.A., Lepage, D., Spencer, A., Billerman, S.M., Sullivan, B.L., Wood, C.L., 2023. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2023b. https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/ Taxonomy to the class Aves (birds), Teleostei (ray-finned fishes), Malacostraca (pancrustaceans), and Bivalvia (mollusks) are provided. We follow the most current (as of August 2024) taxonomic designations of the eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2023b (which closely aligns with American Ornithological Society (AOS) Checklist of North American Birds (7th edition, with updates through the 63rd supplement) for all bird species. The full taxonomy for each sampled species is available in table "algalToxin_taxonomy_coastalAlaska.csv" included with this data release. Animal families and/or species were identified by trained observers in the field or lab using physical characteristics. Provided here is the classification of birds, fish, and invertebrates to the rank of Class. Further details of taxonomy are provided in the table "algalToxin_taxonomy_coastalAlaska.csv" included with this data package. Kingdom Animalia Subkingdom Bilateria Infrakingdom Deuterostomia Phylum Chordata Subphylum Vertebrata Infraphylum Gnathostomata Superclass Tetrapoda Class Aves Superclass Actinopterygii Class Teleostei Infrakingdom Protostomia Superphylum Ecdysozoa Phylum Arthropoda Subphylum Crustacea Class Malacostraca Superphylum Lophozoa Phylum Mollusca Class Bivalvia No access constraints. No use constraints. These data are marked with a Creative Commons Zero v1.0 (CC0-1.0) Universal public domain dedication. It is requested that this USGS data release be cited for any subsequent publications that reference or utilize these data. Users are advised to read the dataset's metadata thoroughly to understand appropriate use and data limitations. U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center Mailing and Physical

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Anchorage Alaska 99508 USA 907-786-7000 gs-ak_asc_datamanagers@usgs.gov The principal investigators for this data release are: Sarah Schoen, Caroline Van Hemert, Matthew Smith, Mayumi Arimitsu, and John Piatt. Matthew Smith, Danielle Gerik, and Naomi Bargmann conducted laboratory analyses. Samples were collected by staff at the USGS Alaska Science Center or by partners. Van Hemert, C.R. Schoen, S.K. Litaker, R.W. Smith, M.M. Arimitsu, M.L. Piatt, J.F. Holland, W.C. Hardison, D.R. Pearce, J.M. 2020 journal article Harmful Algae 92:101730 online Elsevier Van Hemert, C.R., Schoen, S.K., Litaker, R.W., Smith, M.M., Arimitsu, M.L., Piatt, J.F., Holland, W.C., Hardison, D.R., Pearce, J.M., 2020. Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of common murres. Harmful Algae 92:101730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2019.101730 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2019.101730 Van Hemert, C.R. Dusek, R.J. Smith, M.M. Kaler, R.A.S. Sheffield, G. Divine, L.M. Kuletz, K.J. Knowles, S. Lankton, J.S. Hardison, D.R. Litaker, R.W. Jones, T. Burgess, H.K. Parrish, J.K. 2021 journal article Journal of Wildlife Diseases 57(2):399-407 online BioOne Complete Van Hemert, C.R.,Dusek, R.J., Smith, M.M., Kaler, R.A.S., Sheffield, G, Divine, L.M., Kuletz, K.J., Knowles, S., Lankton, J.S., Hardison, D.R., Litaker, R.W., Jones, T., Burgess, H.K., Parrish, J.K., 2021. Investigation of algal toxins in a multispecies seabird die-off in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 57(2):399-407. https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-20-00057 https://doi.org/10.7589/JWD-D-20-00057 Van Hemert, C.R. Harley, J.R. Baluss, G. Smith, M.M. Dusek, R.J. Lankton, J.S. Hardison, D.R. Schoen, S.K. Kaler, R.S. 2022 journal article Harmful Algae 117:102270 online Elsevier Van Hemert, C.R., Harley, J.R., Baluss, G., Smith, M.M., Dusek, R.J., Lankton, J.S., Hardison, D.R., Schoen, S.K., Kaler, R.S., 2022. Paralytic shellfish toxins associated with Arctic Tern mortalities in Alaska, Harmful Algae, 117:102270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2022.102270 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2022.102270 Individual sample IDs, taxonomic identification, collection dates, and sampling locations were cross-checked and verified to match field data. We observed sterile techniques in the handling of all samples. Attribute values fall within expected ranges and data were proofed for the presence of duplication and omission. Sample concentrations too low for accurate quantification were designated as "BDL" (below detectable level). Not all tissue types were available from all individuals, and sample volume was often limited (precluding testing for both STX and DA in all tissues). No data were omitted and there are no missing data. Blank cells indicate data were not collected or not provided (see Attribute Definitions for details). Not all tissue types were available from all individuals, and sample volume was often limited, precluding testing for both STX and DA in all tissues. Blank cells in attributes ending with HPLC indicate that HPLC was not performed for a particular sample due to low STX concentration or limited sample volume. METHODS - FIELD: Specimens were collected by USGS, partners, and stakeholders, and were submitted to the USGS Alaska Science Center Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Laboratory. Unknown METHODS - LAB: Laboratory analysis methods are described in Van Hemert et al. 2022 (STX) and 2020 (DA), with a few updates. Prior to ELISA, extracts were passed through a 0.45 μm filter (MilliporeSigma, Burlington, MA). Following the discontinuation of the DA kit described in Van Hemert et al. 2020, DA was quantified using the replacement ELISA kit developed by the same manufacturer (PN ON0021 Gold Standard Diagnostics, Warmin­ster, PA). Unknown LITERATURE CITED: Lawrence, J.F., Niedzwiadek, B., Menard C. 2005. Quantitative determination of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish using prechromatographic oxidation and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: collaborative study. Journal of AOAC International 88(6):1714–1732. https://doi.org/10.1093/jaoac/88.6.1714 Litaker, R.W., Stewart, T.N., Eberhart, B.-T.L., Wekell, J.C., Trainer, V.L., Kudela, R.M., Miller, P.E., Roberts, A., Hertz, C., Johnson, T.A., Frankfurter, G., Smith, J.G., Schnetzer, A., Schumacker, J., Bastian, J.L., Odell, A., Gentien, P., Le Gal, D., Hardison, R.D., Tester, P.A. 2008. Rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of the algal toxin domoic acid. Journal of Shellfish Research 27(5):1301-1310. doi:10.2983/0730-8000-27.5.1301 Van Hemert, C.R., Schoen, S.K., Litaker, R.W., Smith, M.M., Arimitsu, M.L., Piatt, J.F., Holland, W.C., Hardison, D.R., Pearce, J.M., 2020. Algal toxins in Alaskan seabirds: Evaluating the role of saxitoxin and domoic acid in a large-scale die-off of common murres. Harmful Algae 92:101730. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2019.101730 Van Hemert, C.R., Harley, J.R., Baluss, G., Smith, M.M., Dusek, R.J., Lankton, J.S., Hardison, D.R., Schoen, S.K., Kaler, R.S., 2022. Paralytic shellfish toxins associated with Arctic Tern mortalities in Alaska, Harmful Algae, 117:102270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2022.102270 Unknown Location names are the proper or common place names used in the study. They do not describe precise geographic points. Point algalToxin_taxonomy_coastalAlaska.csv Table containing the taxonomic classification of sampled specimens. Blank cells indicate that a specimen was not identified to a particular taxonomic rank. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table. Author defined Common_Name The common name of the specimen sampled. Author defined Common name of the specimen sampled. Species_Group The name of the species group corresponding to the harmful algal bloom data tables. Author defined bird Bird species Author defined fish Fish species Author defined invertebrate Invertebrate species Author defined Class Taxonomic hierarchical level; Class. Blank cells indicate that the specimen was not identified to Class. Author defined Taxonomic hierarchical level; Class. Order Taxonomic hierarchical level; Order. Blank cells indicate that the specimen was not identified to Order. Author defined Taxonomic hierarchical level; Order. Family Taxonomic hierarchical level; Family. Blank cells indicate that the specimen was not identified to Family. Author defined Taxonomic hierarchical level; Family. Genus Taxonomic hierarchical level; Genus. Blank cells indicate that the specimen was not identified to Genus. Author defined Taxonomic hierarchical level; Genus. Species Current scientific name of species sampled (Taxonomic hierarchical level; Species). Blank cells indicate that the specimen was not identified to Species. Author defined Taxonomic hierarchical level; Species. Historical_Scientific Historical scientific name of species sampled (Taxonomic hierarchical level species). Blank cells indicate that the current scientific name has not changed since the specimen collection date. Author defined Historical scientific name of species sampled. Historical_Common Historical common name of species sampled (Taxonomic hierarchical level species). Blank cells indicate that the current common name has not changed since the specimen collection date. Author defined Historical common name of species sampled. TSN Taxonomic Serial Number for taxonomic authority groups. Blank cells indicate that the specimen's taxonomic rank was inconsistent with more recent taxonomic analyses in ITIS, or the specimen could not be identified to Order. Author defined Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN). Taxonomy_Authority Taxonomic classification authority used in the classification of the species. Blank cells indicate that the specimen is not taxonomically ranked. Author defined ITIS Integrated Taxonomic Information System; authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world. Integrated Taxonomic Information System April 24, 2023 Clements eBird/Clements Checklist The eBird/Clements Checklist of Birds of the World: v2023b algalToxin_results_coastalAlaska.csv Table containing sampling data and results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening for two algal toxins (saxitoxin and domoic acid) in bird, fish, and invertebrate specimens collected along coastal Alaska. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table. Author defined Specimen_ID Unique individual specimen identifier from which one or more tested samples may have been obtained. Author defined Unique identifier either assigned by submitter or by ASC. ASC_Sample_ID Unique identifier assigned to each sample tested. Corresponds to the "ASC_Sample_ID" attribute in all tables included with this data package. In some cases, multiple samples were taken for a single specimen. Author defined Unique identifier assigned to each sample tested. Organization The organization that submitted the specimen samples for analysis. Author defined The organization that submitted the specimen samples for analysis. Collection_Date Date the sample was collected in the field. The date can be a range or single date (YYYY-MM-DD). Blank cells indicate that a collection date was not recorded. Author defined Date the sample was collected in the field. Common_Name Common name of specimen sampled. Author defined Common name of the specimen sampled. Cells with multiple specimen names indicate that the specimens were pooled for testing. See "algalToxin_taxonomy_coastalAlaska.csv" for a list of common names and taxonomic classification. Species_Group Broad taxonomic group of the specimen. Author defined Bird Bird specimen Author defined Fish Fish specimen Author defined Invertebrate Invertebrate specimen Author defined Tissue_Type The specific tissue sampled from the specimen. Author defined whole The whole specimen was sampled. Author defined upper gastrointestinal tract Upper gastrointestinal tract from a sampled specimen. Author defined whole specimen minus gastrointestinal tract Part or all of the specimen was tested excluding the gastrointestinal tract. Author defined muscle Muscle from a sampled specimen. Author defined liver Liver from a sampled specimen. Author defined cloaca Cloaca from a sampled specimen. Author defined cloacal contents Cloacal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined feces Feces from a sampled specimen. Author defined intestinal contents Intestinal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined intestine Intestine from a sampled species Author defined regurgitants Regurgitants from a sampled specimen. Author defined stomach Stomach from a sampled specimen. Author defined stomach and cloacal contents Both stomach and cloacal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined stomach contents Stomach contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined brain Brain from a sampled specimen. Author defined gastrointestinal tract Whole gastrointestinal tract from a sampled specimen. Author defined lower gastrointestinal contents Lower gastrointestinal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined lower gastrointestinal tract Lower gastrointestinal tract from a sampled specimen. Author defined upper gastrointestinal contents Upper gastrointestinal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined small intestine Small intestine from a sampled specimen. Author defined intestine and cloacal contents Both intestine and cloacal contents from a sampled specimen. Author defined intestine, cloacal and upper gastrointestinal contents Combined intestine, and contents of the cloaca and upper gastrointestinal tract from a sampled specimen. Author defined Borough/Census Area The borough or census area where the specimen was collected. Blank cells indicate that the specimen collection location was not recorded. USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) The borough or census area where the specimen was collected. STX_ELISA Saxitoxin (STX) concentration in each tissue sample as detected by ELISA, in micrograms per 100g STX (µg/100g STX). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Details regarding the ELISA detection limits for both STX and DA are available in Van Hemert et al. (2020). Author defined Saxitoxin (STX) concentration in each tissue sample as detected by ELISA, in micrograms per 100g STX (µg/100g STX). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined DBNQ Detectable but not quantifiable Author defined pooled Pooled analysis Author defined DA_ELISA Domoic acid DA concentration in each tissue sample as detected by ELISA, in milligrams per kilogram DA (mg/Kg DA). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Details regarding the ELISA detection limits for both STX and DA are available in Van Hemert et al. (2020). Author defined Domoic acid DA concentration in each tissue sample as detected by ELISA, in milligrams per kilogram DA (mg/Kg DA). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined dcGTX2_3_HPLC Decarbamoyl gonyautoxins 2–3 (dcGTX2,3) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Reported as below detectable level (BDL), as a numeric value in µg/100g STX-eq, or blank cells indicating that the test was not performed. Author defined Decarbamoyl gonyautoxins 2–3 (dcGTX2,3) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined C1C2_HPLC C-toxins 1–2 (C1C2) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined C-toxins 1–2 (C1C2) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined dcSTX_HPLC Decarbamoyl saxitoxin (dcSTX) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Decarbamoyl saxitoxin (dcSTX) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined GTX2_3_HPLC Gonyautoxins 2 and 3 (GTX2,3) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Gonyautoxins 2 and 3 (GTX2,3) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined GTX5_HPLC Gonyautoxin 5 (GTX5) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Gonyautoxin 5 (GTX5) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined STX_HPLC Saxitoxin (STX) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Saxitoxin (STX) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined GTX1_4_HPLC Gonyautoxins 1 and 4 (GTX1,4) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Gonyautoxins 1 and 4 (GTX1,4) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined NEO_HPLC Neosaxitoxin (NEO) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Neosaxitoxin (NEO) measured by HPLC and expressed in STX toxicity factor equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX-eq). BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined Total_STX-eq_HPLC Cumulative saxitoxin (STX) equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. Author defined Cumulative saxitoxin (STX) equivalents, micrograms per 100 grams STX-eq (µg/100g STX). Blank cells indicate that the test was not performed. BDL Below Detectable Level Author defined Previously_Published The DOI (Digital Object Identifier) of other published data releases (if any) which included HABs data from the same specimen. Blank cells indicate that the HABS data from the specimen are only available in the current data release. Author defined 10.5066/P9OK4I8M HABs data from the specimen have also been included in a U.S. Geological Survey data release available at: https://www.doi.org/10.5066/P9OK4I8M Author defined 10.5066/P9UNY0FR HABs data from the specimen have also been included in a U.S. Geological Survey data release available at: https://www.doi.org/10.5066/P9UNY0FR Author defined Comments Comments related to the specimen sampled. Blank cells indicate that no comments were recorded. Author defined Comments related to the specimen sampled. contributors.csv Table with the names and roles of the contributors to this data release. Presented in a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted table. Author defined U.S. Geological Survey USGS ScienceBase Team Mailing and Physical

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Denver Colorado 80225 USA 1-888-275-8747 sciencebase@usgs.gov The U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center is the authoritative source of these data, distributed by ScienceBase (a USGS Trusted Digital Repository). Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes or on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. CSV Tabular data in CSV format; FGDC metadata in XML and HTML formats. https://doi.org/10.5066/P9MLNP9H None 20260219 U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center Mailing and Physical

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Anchorage Alaska 99508 USA 907-786-7000 gs-ak_asc_datamanagers@usgs.gov FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) FGDC-STD-001.1-1999