Ciguatera fish poisoning: the risk from an Aotearoa/New Zealand perspective

Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species have been identified in Aotearoa/New Zealand’s coastal waters and G. polynesiensis, a known producer of ciguatoxins, has been isolated from Rangitāhua/Kermadec Islands (a New Zealand’s territory). The warming of the Tasman Sea and the waters around New Zealand’s northern sub-tropical coastline heighten the risk of Gambierdiscus proliferating in New Zealand. If this occurs the risk of ciguatera fish poisoning due to consumption of locally caught fish will increase. Research, including the development and testing of sampling methods, molecular assays, and chemical and toxicity tests, will continue. Reliable monitoring strategies are important to manage and mitigate the risk posed by this emerging threat. The research approaches that have been made, many of which will continue, are summarised in this review.