Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasing worldwide as a result of climate change and global marine traffic. HABs contain high concentrations of algal toxins. Toxin contaminated shellfish cannot be detected by taste, sight, or smell; the toxins are heat-stable and therefore are not destroyed by cooking. Human consumption of toxin-contaminated shellfish leads to illness. Treatment of shellfish poisoning is limited to symptom management. The burden of shellfish poisoning in humans is often underestimated, and the effects of chronic exposure are unknown. Currently there are regulatory practices for shellfish monitoring in Canada and the United States. Yet there is poor communication of HAB risks to the public.

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