Algal Biotoxins

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are dense concentrations of phytoplankton that can have deleterious effects on marine life. We documented two of the largest marine bird mortality events ever definitively ascribed to a single HAB, the cause of which was death resulting from plumage fouling by surfactant-like proteins produced by the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea. The two mortality events were observed along the coast of Washington State in September and October 2009, collectively representing an estimated deposition of 10 500 carcasses, of which the majority were surf scoters, white-winged scoters and common murres. Each mortality event was coincident in space and time with observed bloom landfall, with each event preceded by a similar chain of environmental conditions. Prior to each event, the presence of A. sanguinea and upwelling-favourable conditions likely led to bloom proliferation. In both cases, this period was followed by conditions that transported the senescent bloom into the nearshore environment, whereupon subsequent wave action lysed A. sanguinea cells, creating foam that contained surfactant-like compounds. This sequence of conditions, exacerbated by the presence of aggregations of marine birds in wing moult, appear to be the necessary requirements for marine bird mortality of this scale due to foam-induced plumage fouling. This mechanism of HAB-induced mortality may become more prevalent in the California Current System given the apparent increasing occurrence of HABs and the broad environmental tolerances exhibited by A. sanguinea.

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“…and Gymnodinium sp. ; Landsberg et al 2008), domoic acid (Pseudo-nitzschia sp. ; Work et al 1993) and brevetoxins (Karenia sp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass mortality of marine birds in the Northeast Pacific caused by Akashiwo sanguinea

Jones¹,

Parrish²,

Punt³

et al. 2017

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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“…Although the role of cyanotoxins in the decline of avian populations remains to be determined (Landsberg et al, 2007), the results of some experimental studies may be employed in population risk assessments . However, some surprising results were obtained when the effects of a cyanobacterial biomass on avian reproduction were studied.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Testicular toxicity of cyanobacterial biomass in Japanese quails

et al. 2011

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“…Seabird MMEs involving PSTs originating from Alexandrium spp. have been documented in North America and Europe, usually where piscivorous birds consumed contaminated fish [ 29 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. In a review by Band-Schmidt et al [ 61 ] about the taxonomy, bloom dynamics, toxicity, autoecology, and trophic interactions of PSTs producing dinoflagellates in Latin America—some episodes in which seabirds were affected are mentioned.…”

Section: Direct and Indirect Impacts From Habs On Marine Birds Biotoxins And Other Bioactive Compoundsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Seabirds exhibit a wide range of sensitivities to algal toxins and symptoms vary depending on each species and the microalgae involved [ 29 ]. An excellent review on the symptoms is that of Landsberg et al [ 59 ]. These authors summarized the information on the most common HABs marine biotoxins, providing descriptions on clinical signs, pathology and circumstances, as reported in wild bird mortalities.…”

Section: Symptoms Of Psp and Asp Intoxications In Seabirds/birdsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management

Ben-Gigirey

Soliño

Bravo

et al. 2021

Toxins

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Marine biotoxins have been frequently implicated in morbidity and mortality events in numerous species of birds worldwide. Nevertheless, their effects on seabirds have often been overlooked and the associated ecological impact has not been extensively studied. On top of that, the number of published studies confirming by analyses the presence of marine biotoxins from harmful algal blooms (HABs) in seabirds, although having increased in recent years, is still quite low. This review compiles information on studies evidencing the impact of HAB toxins on marine birds, with a special focus on the effects of paralytic and amnesic shellfish toxins (PSTs and ASTs). It is mainly centered on studies in which the presence of PSTs and/or ASTs in seabird samples was demonstrated through analyses. The analytical techniques commonly employed, the tissues selected and the adjustments done in protocols for processing seabird matrixes are summarized. Other topics covered include the role of different vectors in the seabird intoxications, information on clinical signs in birds affected by PSTs and ASTs, and multifactorial causes which could aggravate the syndromes. Close collaboration between seabird experts and marine biotoxins researchers is needed to identify and report the potential involvement of HABs and their toxins in the mortality events. Future studies on the PSTs and ASTs pharmacodynamics, together with the establishment of lethal doses in various seabird species, are also necessary. These studies would aid in the selection of the target organs for toxins analyses and in the postmortem intoxication diagnoses.

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Algal Biotoxins

Cited by 6 publications

References 104 publications

Mass mortality of marine birds in the Northeast Pacific caused by Akashiwo sanguinea

Mass mortality of marine birds in the Northeast Pacific caused by Akashiwo sanguinea

Testicular toxicity of cyanobacterial biomass in Japanese quails

Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management

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