Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent a growing threat to coastal marine ecosystems and sustainable safe seafood supplies. Isotopic and radioisotopic techniques (such as the receptor binding assay or the measurement of isotopic signatures) can be used to identify and measure algal toxins in seafood, and improve knowledge on the impact of environmental and climatic variability on HABs. This project proposes to bring together scientists (and end users) with complementary capacities and expertise, and from different regions (including the vulnerable small island developing States), in order to: (i) better assess the fate and impact on marine organisms and seafood safety of the toxic benthic microalgae responsible for the neglected tropical disease ciguatera (i.e. Gambierdiscus spp.), and (ii) raise awareness and understanding of environmental sustainability and seafood safety.
Study the effects of environmental conditions on the occurrence of toxic species of benthic microalgae and provide information and technical tools to assess associated biotoxins in seawater and seafood
The impact of this small CRP is high as many high profile outputs were produced in a timely manner.
The relevance of the CRP is also high as MSs along any coastline have to address their harmful algal bloom challenges. The techniques presented and confirmed here in this CRP have direct relevance to addressing these issues/