Abstract
Phycotoxins, which are produced by harmful microalgae and bioaccumulate in the marine food web, are of growing concern for Australia. These harmful algae pose a threat to ecosystem and human health, as well as constraining the progress of aquaculture, one of the fastest growing food sectors in the world. With better monitoring, advanced analytical skills and an increase in microalgal expertise, many phycotoxins have been identified in Australian coastal waters in recent years. The most concerning of these toxins are ciguatoxin, paralytic shellfish toxins, okadaic acid and domoic acid, with palytoxin and karlotoxin increasing in significance. The potential for tetrodotoxin, maitotoxin and palytoxin to contaminate seafood is also of concern, warranting future investigation. The largest and most significant toxic bloom in Tasmania in 2012 resulted in an estimated total economic loss of ~AUD$23M, indicating that there is an imperative to improve toxin and organism detection methods, clarify the toxin profiles of species of phytoplankton and carry out both intra- and inter-species toxicity comparisons. Future work also includes the application of rapid, real-time molecular assays for the detection of harmful species and toxin genes. This information, in conjunction with a better understanding of the life histories and ecology of harmful bloom species, may lead to more appropriate management of environmental, health and economic resources.
Highlights
Many people suffer food insecurity throughout the world, and aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector across the globe [1]
The impacts of harmful algal blooms in Australian waters have clearly increased in recent years, as illnesses due to Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) have occurred in more southerly waters, and the first ever illnesses due to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) have occurred in Tasmania
Harvest area closures due to the detection of Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in shellfish have occurred for periods of up to four months at sites along the east coast of Tasmania, in 2012, 2015 and 2016, the longest harvesting area closures due to phycotoxins in Tasmania for at least 20 years
Summary
Many people suffer food insecurity throughout the world, and aquaculture is the fastest growing food production sector across the globe [1]. Marine biotoxins are chemical compounds produced via secondary metabolic pathways by certain microalgae, notably dinoflagellates and diatoms. These contaminants can bioaccumulate in fish, crabs, lobster, abalone or filter-feeding bivalves (shellfish), such as mussels, oysters, scallops and clams, and cause poisoning to seafood consumers. Drugs 2017, 15, 33 ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP); and clupeotoxin fish poisoning (CLP) For each of these conditions, the clinical symptoms include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and/or neurological (tingling, headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, death) consequences. Harmful marine microalgae and their potential risks to food safety and/or market access of commercially-produced seafood are a growing concern in Australia. Domoic acid, the only toxin to be produced by diatoms around the world, continues to be a concern as a seafood contaminant in Australia [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
