To improve monitoring and management of public health risks caused by harmful algal bloom toxins in seafood, a NOAA-funded study conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on available toxin removal rates (also known as depuration rates) in seafood species and compiled factors that influence them. The study also identified knowledge gaps, best practices, and research priorities, and generated predictions of depuration rates for unstudied species.
The ability to forecast depuration rates of harmful algal toxins provides managers and fisheries businesses with a tool to make adaptive decisions and better manage public health risks. For example, if managers know that the timeline for toxin depuration is short, then they may delay harvesting of seafood until the seafood is safe for human consumption. However, if the depuration timeline is long, seafood harvesters may choose to eviscerate (remove the toxic viscera) prior to sale, potentially lowering product value; fish another location or different species; or choose an alternative livelihood. To support managers in forecasting depuration timelines and determining monitoring schedules, the team developed a web tool.
This study is part of a larger multi-stressor project led by Oregon State University and NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory funded by NOAA’s NCCOS, Climate Program Office, Ocean Acidification Program, and the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, in collaboration with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.