Lobster Supply Chains Are Not at Risk from Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Accumulation during Wet Storage.

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Aquaculture
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Southern Rock Lobster (SRL) fisheries are economically significant, with a high value of AUD 365M.
• The industry manages risks associated with paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) through monitoring.
• Live lobster supply chains involve extended wet holding, raising concerns about product quality and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate PST accumulation in SRL exposed directly to toxic algal cells.
• To assess the impact of toxic algal exposure on SRL health, survival, and quality.

Main Methods:

• SRL were exposed to toxic *Alexandrium catenella* cultures (2 × 10^5 cells L^-1) for 21 days in a controlled aquaculture setting.
• Lobster health was evaluated using behavioral, immunological, and physiological indicators.
• Hepatopancreas tissue was analyzed for PST accumulation.

Main Results:

• No PST accumulation was detected in SRL hepatopancreas when exposed to toxic algal cells.
• No adverse effects on SRL health, survival, or quality were observed during the 21-day exposure period.
• These findings contrast with studies involving PST accumulation from consuming toxic shellfish.

Conclusions:

• Direct exposure to toxic *Alexandrium catenella* cells does not pose a risk of PST accumulation in SRL.
• SRL survival and quality are not compromised by direct exposure to toxic algal cells.
• The study suggests that current risk management strategies for PST in SRL may not need to account for direct algal cell exposure.