Investigating the effects of climate change on ciguatera poisoning in the Caribbean
Official title: Greater Caribbean Center for Ciguatera Research
Funded at Florida Gulf Coast University · NIH-10914560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how climate change is making ciguatera poisoning, which comes from eating certain contaminated reef fish, more common and severe, especially for people who rely on these fish for food.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Gulf Coast University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Myers, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $973,201 |
| NIH project number | 3P01ES028949-05S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals living in coastal areas of the Greater Caribbean who consume reef fish and are at risk of ciguatera poisoning.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume reef fish or live far from coastal regions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how climate change is affecting the prevalence and severity of ciguatera poisoning, a harmful condition caused by consuming contaminated reef fish. The project aims to explore the geographic expansion of ciguatera poisoning due to rising sea temperatures and reef degradation. Researchers will analyze the toxic compounds produced by specific dinoflagellate species and their impact on marine food webs. Additionally, the study will assess the cellular effects of these toxins on human health, providing insights into potential risks for communities reliant on reef fish.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions to prevent ciguatera poisoning in affected communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a correlation between climate change and the increased incidence of harmful algal blooms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parsons, Michael — Florida Gulf Coast University
- Study coordinator: Parsons, Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.