Research Area #1 | Seafood & Water

Oceans impact human health in many ways, such as through consumption of contaminated seafood, exposure to waterborne pathogens, and through contact with marine mammals. West Coast Center scientists are investigating the sources, transport, and fate of harmful pathogens, biotoxins, and toxic chemicals in seafood under changing ocean conditions and human/land-use activities. Through this research, we will be able to develop early warning systems to better predict where outbreaks may occur, as well as develop methods to reduce or eliminate threats to human health, such as by using molecular techniques or applying post harvest treatments to seafood.

Our research goals (2004-2009) are to:

• Understand how pathogens, biotoxins, and toxic chemicals accumulate and are retained in shellfish and fish.
• Develop tools to identify the risks that contaminated shellfish pose to consumers.
• Develop methods to forecast and reduce threats to human health.

As a result of this research:

• Consumers will be better able to evaluate the risks and benefits of eating different seafood products.
• Managers will be better able to assess, and in some cases forecast, threats to human health.
• Managers will be better able to reduce threats to human health from contaminated seafood.