Toxic Dinoflagellates and Marine Mammal Mortalities. Proceedings of an Expert Consultation Held at Woods Hole, Massachusetts on May 8-9, 1989

摘要

On May 8 and 9, 1989, a consultation of experts was convened at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to discuss the possible link between natural biotoxins and recent mass mortalities of humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins along the eastern coast of the United States. The focus was on the role of dinoflagellate toxins in these events. The objectives of the meeting were to review and assess the existing evidence and to recommend research priorities. The report summarizes the proceedings of the consultation. The participants recommended that the information presently available has sufficient implications with respect to marine mammal mortalities, commercial fisheries, and public health to justify further investigations into the impact of dinoflagellate toxins on higher trophic levels. A series of research and monitoring programs is suggested.