Marine biotoxins are compounds produced by certain species of microalgae that can accumulate in bivalve shellfish, rendering them unfit for human consumption. Although they are natural phenomena, their occurrence has increased due to climate change and alterations in coastal ecosystems. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the different types of toxins, how they are monitored, and best practices for mitigating their effects.
Marine biotoxins are chemical substances produced by toxic dinoflagellates and diatoms. When bivalves filter these microalgae from the water, the toxins accumulate in their tissues.
Each toxin has different health effects and is subject to strict legal limits.
Red tides, also known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), occur when certain types of microalgae multiply rapidly.
Contributing factors include:
The bivalve industry is one of the most closely monitored food sectors in the world.
Specialised teams collect:
Accredited laboratories use:
to measure toxin levels accurately.
Modern platforms combine:
allowing increasingly accurate forecasting of toxic events.
The presence of marine biotoxins can lead to:
Marine biotoxins cannot be removed through traditional depuration processes, requiring bivalves to remain in clean waters until toxin levels return to legally acceptable limits.
Producers adopt several strategies to manage biotoxin risks, including:
Marine biotoxins are an unavoidable challenge, but one that can be effectively managed through science, monitoring and best practices. The bivalve industry is increasingly well prepared to anticipate and mitigate these events, ensuring food safety and economic continuity.
