Matthew Rothschild (BS Oceanography) is working with Dr. Alex Parker (Oceanography) on a study to investigate the physiology of a Heterosigma akashiwo harmful algal bloom (HAB) that occurred in the San Francisco Bay in summer 2022. This  HAB species had not been detected at bloom levels in the Bay for nearly 20 years and its presence resulted in poor water quality and fishkills. Matt analyzed samples collected by project collaborators from the US Geological Survey, the San Francisco Estuary Institute, and San Francisco State University to understand rates of primary production and nitrogen uptake during and following the algal bloom. Additionally, Matt was among a team of Cal Maritime oceanographers to survey the Bay at the end of the bloom in October 2022. While the San Francisco Bay has proved resilient to HAB outbreaks in the past, it is hypothesized that changing conditions in the Bay, including from climate change, may result in more frequent occurrences. This project will help in forming policy to protect against future events.

For Matt, the project has provided him the opportunity to take what he has learned in the classroom and apply the knowledge to a real problem that has faced the San Francisco Bay. The project has allowed him to feel that he is doing meaningful scientific work to improve the Bay. “Working alongside Dr. Parker has really helped me determine that I want to pursue a biological oceanography career.”

For Dr. Parker the project provided a great way to mentor Matt as applied skills learned in classes to answer important questions about why Heterosigma was successful in forming a bloom in 2022. “Matt has been dedicated to this project for more than 18 months and has learned a great deal about the scientific process during that time”.

The project was supported by the CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science, and Technology.