What causes seafood-related illnesses?

Shellfish harvest and beach closures are widespread throughout the U.S. due to presence of harmful pathogens (disease- causing organisms) and HAB toxins. Photo credit: L. Younglove

Seafood-borne illnesses are often under-reported, misdiagnosed and may be increasing due to climate change; coastal and industrial pollution; wastewater, sewage, storm water inputs; and point and nonpoint source runoff from agricultural/animal production systems and other land uses.

Culprits in seafood are bacteria, algal bloom toxins or chemicals in seafood that can cause symptoms such as gastro-intestinal distress, wound infection, neurological impairment and possibly death in rare cases.