Seafood Poisoning Syndromes Caused by Toxic Algae in Florida
Most marine phytoplankton are beneficial – they make up the base of the marine food web and produce half of the world’s oxygen. However, some harmful algal bloom (HAB) species produce toxins, which can cause human illnesses and, in extreme cases, fatalities. Fish and shellfish that feed on toxic phytoplankton can become contaminated with toxins, either directly by filter-feeding toxic phytoplankton, or indirectly by eating filter-feeding prey. In turn, humans can be exposed to marine algal toxins by eating contaminated seafood.
The table below lists the major toxin producing phytoplankton found in estuarine and marine waters of Florida and the poisoning syndromes associated with these species. Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) and Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) are not known to be lethal to humans; however, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), and Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) can be deadly. No cases of ASP or DSP have been documented in Florida.
In partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitors shellfish harvesting areas to detect toxic phytoplankton and prevent the occurrence of poisoning syndromes. Since this partnership between FWC and FDACS was initiated during the 1970s, state officials have prevented occurrences of poisoning due to Karenia brevis, Pyrodinium bahamense, and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. from lawfully harvested shellfish. Before harvesting shellfish in Florida waters, check the status of shellfish harvesting areas by visiting the department’s Division of Aquaculture website. For more information or to report health issues related to exposure to marine algal toxins, please call the Florida Poison Information Center at (800) 222-1222. Additional information on shellfish poisonings and ciguatera can be found on the Florida Department of Health website.
Download these factsheets to learn more about different algae species.
Karenia brevis factsheet
Pseudo-nitzschia factsheet
Pyrodinium bahamense factsheet
| Algae Species (and Associated Toxins) | Associated Seafood | Syndrome | Symptoms (not comprehensive) | Syndrome Documented in FL? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dinophysis species, Prorocentrum species (okadaic acid) |
clams, oysters, mussels, whelk | Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) | diarrhea, nausea, vomiting; abdominal cramps; chills | No |
|
Gambierdiscus species (ciguatoxins) |
large reef fish species such as barracuda, grouper, snapper, jack, mackerel, and triggerfish | Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) | nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; numbness/tingling of the mouth and other extremities; reversal of hot/cold sensations; chills, headache; abdominal pain; tearing; giddiness | Yes. CFP has been documented from fish originating from the Florida Keys, the Dry Tortugas, and SE Florida. |
|
Karenia brevis, (brevetoxins) |
Clams, oysters, mussels, whelk | Neurotoxic | numbness/tingling of mouth and extremities; vertigo; slurred speech; muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; reversal of hot/cold sensations; pupil dilation | Yes. Officials have documented fewer than 100 non-fatal cases of NSP in the southeastern U.S. These cases were the result of recreationally harvested shellfish from unapproved waters. |
|
Pseudo-nitzschia species (domoic acid) |
clams, scallops, oysters, mussels | Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) | short-term memory loss; dizziness, disorientation; respiratory distress | No |
|
Pyrodinium bahamense, Alexandrium species, Gymnodinium catenatum |
bivalve shellfish and puffer fish | Paralytic | numbness/tingling of the mouth and/or lips; nausea, vomiting; respiratory distress; drowsiness; muscle weakness; incoherent speech | Yes. Seven documented cases of SPFP between 1974 and 2004 originating from the Indian River Lagoon have been documented. There have been no cases of PSP from contaminated shellfish |
Notes
Gambierdiscus spp. produce ciguatoxin precursors, which are transformed to ciguatoxins in fish.
Some Prorocentrum species produce okadaic acid, but only Dinophysis spp. have been associated with DSP.