Toxicological studies of nodularin to underpin risk management of seafood in Gippsland Lakes (Project 2023-125): 12-month project update

Background: The Gippsland Lakes are an important source of shellfish, crustaceans and fish, providing recreational, tourism and commercial fishing opportunities. However, the lake system can sometimes experience toxin-producing cyanobacterial blooms that also flow into the outlying marine environment. Nodularin, the cyanotoxin produced by these blooms, can cause liver damage and bioaccumulates in aquatic species, raising concerns around the safety of seafood consumed from the lake and nearby ocean areas. The project will fill critical scientific knowledge gaps around the toxicity of nodularin, allowing a food safety risk assessment to be undertaken.