Domoic acid and saxitoxin in seabirds in the United States between 2007 and 2018

• DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.101981
• Publication Date: 2021-04-01T07:31:45Z
• Authors: Corinne M. Gibble; Raphael M. Kudela; Susan Knowles; Barbara Bodenstein; Kathi A. Lefebvre
• Keywords: Saxitoxin; Domoic Acid; Ciguatoxin; Wildlife refuge

As harmful algal blooms (HABs) increase in magnitude and duration worldwide, they are becoming an expanding threat to marine wildlife. Over the past decade, of algae that produce neurotoxins domoic acid (DA) saxitoxin (STX) documented concurrent seabird mortality events have increased bicoastally United States. We conducted a retrospective analysis HAB related California, Washington, Rhode Island between 2007 2018 involving 12 species seabirds, document levels, ranges, patterns DA STX eight sample types (kidney, liver, stomach, intestinal, cloacal, cecal contents, bile, blood) collected from birds during these events. Samples (n = 182) 83 were examined for 135) or 17) both toxins simultaneously 30), using ELISA LCMS at National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration, Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA-NMFS) Wildlife Algal-toxin Research Response Network (WARRN-West) University Santa Cruz (UCSC). was detected seven with below minimum detection limit blood three samples tested. found 70% 23% all tested samples. The ranges detectable levels 0.65–681,190.00 ng g−1 2.00–20.95 g−1, respectively. Cloacal contents Pacific loon (Gavia pacifica) 2017 Ventura County, had highest maximum level this study. bile northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) San Luis Obispo California. detections consistently gastrointestinal samples, kidney, whereas most frequently seen liver Co-occurring (DA STX) white-winged scoters (Melanitta deglandi) 2009, Brandt's cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus) 2015, common murre (Uria aalge) 2018. This article provides tissue concentrations avian shows utility various toxins. Future research understand pharmacodynamics establish lethal doses bird would be beneficial.