Red Tides and Marine Mammal Mortalities

Potent marine neurotoxins called brevotoxins are produced by the "Red Tide" dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. The toxins have been investigated for possibly causing the deaths of manatees and dolphins. A total of 34 manatees and 107 dolphins died in the spring of 2002 in southwest Florida. Their tissues and fluids were tested for the toxin and the results showed high concentrations of brevotoxins. Biological toxins should be considered when investigating unusual marine mammal mortalities. Click here to learn more.