Project III.2.3a – Ecological modeling: Myrionecta rubra blooms

Project Title: III.2.3a Ecological modeling: Myrionecta rubra
Project Lead: Y.H. Spitz

Project Description
Over the past years, recurrent red-water blooms have been observed in the Columbia River estuary during late summer and early fall. These blooms are characteristic of Myrionecta rubra. Myrionecta rubra are mixotrophic ciliates that grow in the presence of diverse cryptomonad preys. They have been observed to be large contributors to primary productivity since they can photosynthesize. In addition, they are rapid swimmers, which could reduce their susceptibility to predation and transport out of the estuary. A model that characterizes timing of bloom formation and spatial (vertical and horizontal) dynamic of these ciliates is being developed. This model is coupled to the 3D circulation SELFE model and to the NPZD ecosystem model that has been developed for the Columbia River system and coastal regions.

Fit in program
This effort supports the concept of environmental sentinels to understand estuarine variability and make use of observations from Saturn observatory and field observations.

Outcomes
The anticipate outcome is a model for Myrionecta Rubra bloom characterization and prediction.