Marine algal toxins, ecology, analysis and toxicology

For the shellfish industry to be successful, more knowledge and high competence is needed with respect to algal toxins. Establishment of advanced analytical methods for the identification and quantification of the relevant toxins are a key issue. In collaboration with international partners, efforts have been made to develop simple methods for the pre-harvest screening of toxins in shellfish. Studies focusing on the occurrence of algae (Dinophysis) and the variability of DSP toxins were undertaken, with the main objective to understand the variability in nature and the possible underlying mechanisms. Efforts included the examination of the oral and intraperitoneal toxicity and pathological effects of specific algal toxins in order to improve the scientific basis for establishing safe levels of toxins in seafood. Good collaboration between Norwegian research groups and their international partners has provided an important basis for the handling of algal toxin issues.

Publications and Presentations

PhD thesis’s

  • Samdal IA.  Yessotoxins in algae and mussels – Studies on its sources, disposition, and levels. Thesis for the degree of Doctor Scientiarum in biochemistry and toxinology at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway, 2005.
  • Aasen Bunæs J. Identification and quantification of algal toxins in shellfish, and characterisation of toxin profiles in Norwegian mussels. Thesis for the degree of Doctor Scientiarum in chemistry at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway, 2005.

Project partners: Led by NMBU, partners: NVI, UiO, HI, University of Waikato, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas de Vigo, National Research Council of Canada, and Cawthron Institute.

Project periode: 20002005

Funding: NRC “Havbruk – en næring i vekst” (Grant ID: 139593/140)

Project presentation Havbruk3-2005