A microscopic organism linked to serious seafood-related illness has been detected for the first time in the waters of Hervey Bay and Gladstone.
Joseph Perkins, a James Cook University PhD candidate specialising in harmful algal blooms, marine toxins and molecular ecology, led the study.
He said ciguatera poisoning, the world's most common non-bacterial seafood illness, causes debilitating illness and poses a serious challenge to public health in tropical and subtropical regions.
"Each year between 10,000 and 50,000 known cases are reported globally, caused by fish that have accumulated ciguatoxins. These toxins are produced by microscopic organisms that thrive in warm seawater and then these toxins then accumulate up the food-chain into larger fish," said Mr Perkins.
Using DNA metabarcoding, researchers examined the ecology and distribution of these micro-organisms, known as dinoflagellates, in coastal regions of Townsville, Hervey Bay and Gladstone.
"We identified established species, but also found several which differed genetically, including what may be an entirely new species.
"We also confirmed the presence of Gambierdiscus holmesii, a known ciguatoxin producer, in Hervey Bay and Gladstone for the first time.
"This extends its known range further south than previously recorded and marks the first detection of any Gambierdiscus (the primary producer of ciguatoxins) in the Gladstone region," said Mr Perkins.
He said though temperature was not assessed in this study, the researchers recommend examining seasonal and thermal gradients to better understand how warming seas may shape the distribution of Gambierdiscus species.
"Our study provides vital insights into the distribution of harmful algal species in Queensland. But beyond that, it underscores the importance of continued monitoring as climate change may expand the reach and prevalence of these toxic dinoflagellates," said Mr Perkins.
Link to paper here.
