Algae neurotoxin found in endangered Hawaiian monk seals

[Barrett808]

A potent toxic chemical that affects the nervous system has been identified in the bodies of Critically Endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, have found that Hawaiian monk seals are exposed to ciguatoxin, a toxin produced by marine algae common on coral reefs.

"This work provides first confirmation that Hawaiian monk seals are exposed to significant levels of ciguatoxins and first evidence of transfer of ciguatoxin to marine mammals," the researchers write in their report. ...

The scientists suspect ciguatoxin exposure might be linked to the ongoing decline of these seals, whose numbers are estimated at between 1,100 and 1,200. ...

Algae neurotoxin found in endangered Hawaiian monk seals