Biological activities and potential applications of marine biotoxins

Abstract

In general terms, the occurrence of phycotoxins has increased dramatically in the last decades. The causes behind this expansion are debated, with possible explanations ranging from natural mechanisms of species dispersal to a host of human-related phenomena such as pollution, climatic shifts, increased scientific awareness and analytical capabilities, increased use of coastal water for aquaculture, and transport of algal species via ship ballast water. In addition to these factors, long-term increases of nutrient loading of coastal waters and unusual climatological conditions are believed to favor certain species and stimulate blooms (WHOI, 2007).