Domoic Acid in Stranded Green Turtle in Andaman Coast of Thailand

Abstract

Exposure to domoic acid was determined in 12 stranded green turtles on the Andaman coast, Thailand from March-November 2020. The results revealed that 92% (11/12) of the stranded green turtles were positive for domoic acid concentrations ranging between not detected and 16.24 μg/g. The highest average concentration was detected in the liver (2.61±4.46 μg/g), followed by the kidneys (2.49±5.20 μg/g), stomach contents (1.17±1.65 μg/g), feces (0.92±1.63 μg/g), and muscles (0.85±1.45 μg/g). In many countries, exposure to biotoxins, produced by phytoplankton can result in unusual strandings (dead and alive) of marine wildlife. However, in Thailand, this study is the first report of domoic acid in stranded sea turtles. More research is needed for a better understanding of the phytoplankton biotoxins in the marine food web and their impact on sea turtles, which are marine endangered species in Thailand.