ABSTRACT

Red tide is a naturally occurring event caused by the abundance of Karenia brevis, a dinoflagellate that releases neurotoxins into the water and surrounding air. Red tide has been associated with the deaths of an already endangered sea turtle population, as well as many other marine animals. The chemical structure of K. brevis plays a critical role in determining its toxicity and how it affects various environments and species. Ocean circulation is one of the main causes of red tide, however, further research is needed to determine other possible factors. Factors that make sea turtles particularly susceptible to red tide include their dietary habits and the anatomy of their digestive system. Because sea turtles are an endangered species, testing new treatment options for their species exposed to red tide is difficult. Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) therapy is a new treatment option for intoxicated turtles and is currently being tested by the Loggerhead MarineLife Center in Juno Beach, Florida. This treatment option has been used for decades in humans as a first response in drug overdose patients. Synthetic toxins (drugs) are lipophilic, as are the neurotoxins released by K. brevis . Success in human patients who are intoxicated with synthetic drugs indicates a potentially successful treatment for sea turtles who are intoxicated with brevetoxins. Consideration of ILE therapy for sea turtles exposed to red tide is essential for the conservation of the already endangered species.