60
U.M. Montojo et al.
Investigations of other factors that can affect shellfish toxicity are being
conducted. This includes: physiological transformation and seasonal variation
of PSP toxins in different shellfish species, effect of substrate, distribution of PSP
toxins in shellfish tissues and gut size.
Variation in Toxicity Among Shellfish Tissues
A study on the commercially important pen shell (Atrina pectinata) was carried
out to determine the bioaccumulation and distribution of PSP toxins in different
tissues. Remarkably, the bivalve’s adductor muscle accumulated minimal levels of
PSP toxins. This is in contrast to the high PSP levels observed in Perna viridis
under the same conditions. The finding was validated by the standard MBA method
regularly used for PSP monitoring, for adductor muscles collected during a toxic
bloom (Narceda et al. 2011, unpublished).
Discussion
Declining Cases of PSP in the Philippines
The shifts in management strategies, combined with research interventions, have
significantly contributed to reducing PSP impacts in the country. The above
management and research interventions can therefore be considered as successful,
despite the increasing number of areas contaminated by PSP toxins. Furthermore,
a declining trend in poisoning cases was observed since the first incidence in 1983
(Fig. 5.8). Recent PSP cases that can be attributed to areas that have newly recorded
blooms are an exception to this decreasing trend.
Decentralization of PSP monitoring, particularly in the conduct of laboratory
sample analysis and results reporting, could provide autonomy to local officials
when making management decisions. This could in turn lead into early issuance
of shellfish bans and subsequent confiscations of contaminated shellfish products
harvested from affected areas, before they could cause human harm. Consumers are
now aware of the possible consequences of HABs and PSP in relation to food safety
of marine products; prior to 1983 they were not.
Addressing Socio-economic Impacts of PSP: The Case of Sorsogon Bay
As a consequence of decentralization, the role of LGUs is recognized as being
at the front line in response to PSP cases. It is also noteworthy that in recent
years consumers have an increased awareness of the PSP phenomenon, as a result
of information and education campaigns conducted at the local level. In 2009,
U.M. Montojo et al.
Investigations of other factors that can affect shellfish toxicity are being
conducted. This includes: physiological transformation and seasonal variation
of PSP toxins in different shellfish species, effect of substrate, distribution of PSP
toxins in shellfish tissues and gut size.
Variation in Toxicity Among Shellfish Tissues
A study on the commercially important pen shell (Atrina pectinata) was carried
out to determine the bioaccumulation and distribution of PSP toxins in different
tissues. Remarkably, the bivalve’s adductor muscle accumulated minimal levels of
PSP toxins. This is in contrast to the high PSP levels observed in Perna viridis
under the same conditions. The finding was validated by the standard MBA method
regularly used for PSP monitoring, for adductor muscles collected during a toxic
bloom (Narceda et al. 2011, unpublished).
Discussion
Declining Cases of PSP in the Philippines
The shifts in management strategies, combined with research interventions, have
significantly contributed to reducing PSP impacts in the country. The above
management and research interventions can therefore be considered as successful,
despite the increasing number of areas contaminated by PSP toxins. Furthermore,
a declining trend in poisoning cases was observed since the first incidence in 1983
(Fig. 5.8). Recent PSP cases that can be attributed to areas that have newly recorded
blooms are an exception to this decreasing trend.
Decentralization of PSP monitoring, particularly in the conduct of laboratory
sample analysis and results reporting, could provide autonomy to local officials
when making management decisions. This could in turn lead into early issuance
of shellfish bans and subsequent confiscations of contaminated shellfish products
harvested from affected areas, before they could cause human harm. Consumers are
now aware of the possible consequences of HABs and PSP in relation to food safety
of marine products; prior to 1983 they were not.
Addressing Socio-economic Impacts of PSP: The Case of Sorsogon Bay
As a consequence of decentralization, the role of LGUs is recognized as being
at the front line in response to PSP cases. It is also noteworthy that in recent
years consumers have an increased awareness of the PSP phenomenon, as a result
of information and education campaigns conducted at the local level. In 2009,