Abstract
An end-product market survey on biotoxins in commercial wild harvest shellfish (Plebidonax deltoides, Katelysia spp., Anadara granosa, Notocallista kingii) during three harvest seasons (2015–2017) from the coast of New South Wales, Australia found 99.38% of samples were within regulatory limits. Diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) were present in 34.27% of 321 samples but only in pipis (P. deltoides), with two samples above the regulatory limit. Comparison of these market survey data to samples (phytoplankton in water and biotoxins in shellfish tissue) collected during the same period at wild harvest beaches demonstrated that, while elevated concentrations of Dinophysis were detected, a lag in detecting bloom events on two occasions meant that wild harvest shellfish with DSTs above the regulatory limit entered the marketplace. Concurrently, data (phytoplankton and biotoxin) from Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) harvest areas in estuaries adjacent to wild harvest beaches impacted by DSTs frequently showed elevated Dinophysis concentrations, but DSTs were not detected in oyster samples. These results highlighted a need for distinct management strategies for different shellfish species, particularly during Dinophysis bloom events. DSTs above the regulatory limit in pipis sampled from the marketplace suggested there is merit in looking at options to strengthen the current wild harvest biotoxin management strategies.
Highlights
Bivalve shellfish are a major global commodity with current market analysis indicating a strong demand for limited available produce [1]
Our study conducted over three consecutive wild harvest seasons in New South Wales (NSW) highlighted Diarrhetic shellfish toxins (DSTs) as the main concern due to their presence in over one-third of the shellfish samples tested
DSTs were detected above the regulatory limit in the marketplace and suggested that the current wild harvest biotoxin management processes could be strengthened
Summary
Bivalve shellfish are a major global commodity with current market analysis indicating a strong demand for limited available produce [1]. Consumer confidence is essential to support production increases. A major component of a bivalve shellfish safety program is the management and mitigation of the potential risks from biotoxins. The impact of algal toxins on shellfish aquaculture is variable. Toxins 2018, 10, 446 in the frequency and intensity of toxic events (e.g., recent paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) events in Tasmania [2,3]) but with effective monitoring and management, the risk of illness outbreaks can be minimised [4,5]. All biotoxin groups are of concern to shellfish safety managers, and more than one toxin group can occur concurrently.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
