Marine algal toxins, ecology, analysis and toxicology

For a new 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 will be a key issue. In c ollaboration with international partners efforts will be made to develop simple methods for pre-harvest screening of toxins in shellfish. Studies focusing on the occurence of algae (Dinophysis) and variability of DSP toxins will be undertaken, with the ma in objective to understand the variability in nature and the possible underlying mechanisms. Efforts will include the examination of oral and intraperitoneal toxicity and pathological effects of toxins in order to improve the scientific basis for establis hing safe levels of toxins in seafood. Collaboration between Norwegian research groups and their international partners will provide an important basis for the handling of algal toxin issues.