Marine biotoxins

Marine biotoxins are naturally occurring chemicals caused by certain types of toxic algae. Exposure to marine biotoxins can occur through direct contact by swimming, breathing in aerosolised toxins in water droplets or eating toxin-contaminated seafood. Marine biotoxins can accumulate in seafood, and most human illnesses from marine biotoxins occur when people eat contaminated fish or shellfish.  Symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of toxin. The following diseases and symptoms caused by marine biotoxins have been identified. Read the factsheet on marine biotoxins