IAEA Aids Cuban Scientists in Detecting Marine Biotoxins to Prevent Seafood Contamination

Ciguatoxins, produced by harmful blooms of microscopic algae, primarily occur in tropical regions and predominantly affect small island developing states.

Scientists at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are assisting local researchers in Cuba to identify dangerous biotoxins in marine algae, which can lead to outbreaks of contaminated seafood.

Ciguatoxins, produced by harmful blooms of microscopic algae, primarily occur in tropical regions and predominantly affect small island developing states. These biotoxins can accumulate in the food chain, especially in larger fish, posing a risk to humans who consume them. Symptoms of ciguatera poisoning can range from digestive distress to neurological issues like numbness and weakness.

Each year, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are responsible for thousands of poisonings worldwide due to the consumption of contaminated seafood. These blooms disrupt the food chain and can kill marine life and sea birds. Many countries have struggled to detect and manage ciguatoxins in HABs effectively.

To address the ciguatoxin problem, the IAEA has been enhancing capacity for ciguatera monitoring through nuclear and isotopic techniques that can quickly identify biotoxins in seafood and accurately detect outbreaks. The IAEA’s Marine Environment Laboratories ensure that innovative detection methods are adopted by the countries most affected by ciguatera.

For instance, the IAEA has provided training in Cuba on using a ‘receptor binding assay’ (RBA) to detect ciguatoxins even in samples with multiple toxin variants. This equips local scientists with the tools to identify fish at high risk of ciguatoxin contamination and make informed decisions about seafood safety.

The RBA technology is particularly important as it is now a recognized regulatory method to certify the safety of seafood, such as shellfish imported to the European Union for consumption. The transfer of this RBA technology to Caribbean nations has empowered local scientists to monitor marine toxins more effectively. Early detection of HABs that produce ciguatoxins has helped Caribbean nations implement early warning systems for seafood safety.

The IAEA has organized international workshops to train scientists from small island developing states in the latest techniques to detect marine toxins, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange. This ensures that even nations with limited resources can better protect their citizens and maintain safe, sustainable fisheries.

The scientific data collected assists member countries in detecting and characterizing biotoxins, enhancing preparedness and response to relevant public health emergencies.

“With the right tools, ciguatera blooms and ciguatoxin outbreaks can be effectively mitigated,” said Alejandro Garcia Moya, Director of the Environmental Studies Centre of Cienfuegos (CEAC). “The IAEA workshops to transfer knowledge on marine toxin monitoring and management techniques are key in capacity building and strengthening in small island developing states, directly impacting the management of harmful algal blooms and their effects on our marine environments and the people relying on them.”

“The IAEA has been collaborating with CEAC to enhance ciguatera monitoring in the region using nuclear and isotopic techniques,” said Florence Descroix-Comanducci, Director of the IAEA’s Marine Environment Laboratories. “Our expertise in nuclear science and technology and collaborations with scientific partners are a testament to what collaborative science can achieve.”

In Guajimico, Cuba, scientists use a unique base to sample microorganisms that could produce toxins, an essential part of monitoring harmful algal blooms.

In 2023, the FAO, IAEA, and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission published a technical guide on setting up an early warning system for HABs. The guide focuses on managing HABs affecting food safety and security, offering steps for authorities to enhance their current warning systems or build new ones, ensuring safety against threats from toxins in HABs entering the food chain.