Is Gambierdiscus expanding its geographic range in the Pacific region?

Marine algae of the genus Gambierdiscus are present in many areas of the world. Some species in this genus produce ciguatoxins (and/or maitotoxin (MTX), which are regarded as the causative agents of ciguatera fish poisoning, which is a particular problem in the Pacific Islands. The range of Gambierdiscus is increasing, with discovery of such organisms in south-eastern Australia and northern New Zealand. This MS reviews the range of such organisms, detection methods for the toxins that they contain, and the possible concern associated with the spread of Gambierdiscus species into more temperate regions of the Pacific.