IMPACT OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS ON SEA TURTLE HEALTH

by Lynda F. Rysavy | Thursday, Mar 26, 2020

FAU’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Research Professors Annie Page-Karjian and Matthew Ajemian team with biologists at Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Inwater Research Group to better understand how exposure to toxin-producing harmful algal bloom (HAB) species impact sea turtle health in Florida's coastal waters.

The study published in  Toxicon: X, establishes concentrations of 10 HAB toxins in plasma samples from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in Florida's Big Bend. Domoic acid, lyngbyatoxin-A, microcystins, nodularin, and okadaic acid were detected, demonstrating exposure to these HAB toxins, which are also a public health concern.

The research was funded by a grant from the HBOI Foundation, as part of the Florida Center for Coastal and Human Health.

Work was conducted by authorized individuals under NOAA-NMFS permit #21169, FWC Marine Turtle Permits #139 and #204. 

Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
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