Abstract:
The primary goal of this study was to determine the fate and effects of polyether neurotoxins (brevetoxins) when taken into the body of fish and shellfish that may be utilized for human consumption. Analytical methods, bioaccumulation and metabolism were addressed. In addition, mammalian tissue samples were obtained from the Mote Marine Laboratory Marine Mammal Stranding Response Program, to monitor for the presence of brevetoxins in marine mammals. Specific objectives are the following: study the uptake and metabolism of brevetoxins in shellfish exposed to known concentrations of live red tide cells; investigate the accumulation of brevetoxins in a representative coastal marine fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of brevetoxins under controlled lab studies; perform analyses for brevetoxins in tissue samples from marine mammals; and monitor brevetoxin content of fish, shellfish and ambient water samples obtained through field collections in the event of a natural red tide bloom.
