Ciguatera Poisoning
Experts say an increase in water temperatures could mean more of a dangerous marine borne illness along the Florida coasts.
A new scientific report shows unusually warm waters are creating breeding conditions for the toxin known as Ciguatera. Experts say Ciguatera is carried in a common form of algae that grows on grasses around reefs. It’s then eaten by reef-dwelling fish and those fish end up on our plates.
Charter Fisherman Chris Nelson says most captains avoid reef-dwelling fish but if ciguatera spreads, it could be another hit on the fishing industry.
A report by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, shows that due to climate change, the amount of Ciguatera is expected to rise.
Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting which are followed by neurological conditions such as headaches, muscle aches and numbness as well as strange sensations like feeling loose teeth, confusing temperatures and a metallic taste in your mouth can happen.
More than 400 fish species, like grouper, snapper, barracuda, hogfish, and triggerfish, are known to become toxic.
