The project

Ciguatera: an emerging problem

Some species of benthic dinoflagellates of tropical and/or subtropical regions have apparently expanded their distribution in the last decades towards more temperate regions. Particularly, the genus Gambierdiscus, responsible for ciguatera, constitute a key aspect in the study of noxious algae in the last years due to the danger they pose for the human health. In the Iberian peninsula, species of the Gambierdiscus genus have not yet been detected, but the Macarronesic area where the Canary Islands are located is considered a region threatened by ciguatera. This genus was recently reported in the island of Madeira, and cases were also recorded in the Wild islands (Islas Salvajes), between Madeira and Tenerife. The first case of ciguatera was detected in 2004 and it was caused by the consumption of amberfish. In 2008 more cases of intoxication were recorded, and from that year on, cases have been detected almost every year.

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The objectives of CICAN

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To know the geographical distribution of the Gambierdiscus species in the Canary Islands (El Hierro, Tenerife and Lanzarote) and its relationship with the macroalgal communities and environmental conditions.
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To study the biodiversity of the Gambierdicus genus in the Canary Islands based on the characterization of its morphology, genetics, pigments and toxins.
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To study the dinoflagellate life cycle to clarify one or more nuclear and ploidy transition models through the characterization of the DNA content during the cell cycle and the genomic and chromosomal structure.
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To know if the latency period of the dinoflagellate resting cysts is a phenological trait which is conditioned by the geographic location.
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To study how these factors affect the adaptive strategies of dinoflagellates in tackling climate change.
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To determine the profiles and amounts of toxins in different marine organisms, which may be used as potential vectors of ciguatoxins, and to compare them with the toxins detected in dinoflagellates.

Which is the goal of CICAN?

We would like to contribute with the results of our project to the improvement of the food safety, minimizing the impact of ciguatera in the public health and allowing a better management of those fishery resources that may be affected by ciguatera. The results will be transferred to the Fisherman´s associations and other sectors involved as the Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands government through our web page and other forums related to the project.

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Ciguatera: an emerging problem

The objectives of CICAN

Which is the goal of CICAN?

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