Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
Of all the poisoning syndromes associated with harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins, ciguatera poisoning (CP) is the most prevalent globally and is estimated to afflict tens of thousands of people each year, with many cases unreported. CP is primarily caused by the consumption of reef fish (and some invertebrates) contaminated with toxins that originate from species of the (sub)tropical benthic/epiphytic dinoflagellate genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa (hereafter referred to together as Gambierdiscus). CP is predicted to increase in geographic range and frequency in the Greater Caribbean region (GCR) and elsewhere in response to climate change. We established the Greater Caribbean Center for Ciguatera Research (GCCCR) through the Centers of Oceans and Human Health (COHH3) program to study the anticipated intensification of CP in the GCR due to warming sea surface temperatures and reef degradation associated with climate change. The major goals of GCCCR in COHH3 are to: 1) examine the role climate change may play in the geographic and temporal expansion of ciguatera poisoning (CP) into more temperate latitudes (Research Project 1); 2) obtain a better understanding of the toxic metabolites produced by certain Gambierdiscus strains, and the subsequent transfer and biotransformation of these compounds into coastal/reef food webs (Research Project 2); 3) study the genotoxicity and impacts on cellular metabolism caused by these toxins upon exposure (Research Project 3), in order to 4) better protect and treat people from this malady by translating the above scientific findings into risk-based outputs for engagement and education activities for the community in the Greater Caribbean Region (Community Engagement Core). While the GCCCR has been productive to date, Hurricane Ian severely hindered progress, particularly in Florida and specifically at FGCU. Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida (near FGCU) on September 28, 2022. The 10’+ storm surge caused significant damage to our coasts, including the FGCU Vester Field Station in Bonita Springs, Florida. This damage has rendered Vester inoperable to date. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, PD Parsons had to spend considerable time and effort coordinating clean-up and repairs. Additionally, adjusting our research activities has been challenging (no dock access; damaged boats; inaccessible sampling sites). While repairs are underway, we have lost considerable time (and resources), hindering our progress and ability to complete our remaining tasks in the COHH3 project of GCCCR. Herein, we are requesting an Administrative Supplement to address the infrastructure impacts including replacement of research resources, one lost boat, and financial assistance with building repairs and renovations.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
