ProfessorGustaaf Hallegraeff

Trans-Tasman Rock Lobster Conference

International Conference of Harmful Algae

Harmful algal blooms pose a significant threat to a globally expanding aquaculture industry through the production of potent fish-killing toxins (ichthyotoxins). Extensive economic damages to the finfish aquaculture sector (up to US $800 million for single events) have highlighted the urgent requirement for the development of effective mitigation strategies. The largely unknown chemical nature of most ichthyotoxins has necessitated the development of novel bioassay systems, the most recent breakthrough being the development of a fish gill cell line assay, allowing for the direct exposure of fish gill epithelial cells to live algal samples. Employing this assay, we here briefly summarize our recent work on the use of clay minerals to mitigate fish-killing impacts. We focus on the direct adsorption of ichthyotoxins to clay particles, a novel aspect of clay treatment that promises refinement and increased efficacy of existing clay application regimes.

9th International Conference on Molluscan Shellfish Safety

Harmful Algal Blooms 2000