Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins (DSTs) are a significant, yet largely unquantified issue for Australian shellfish. In response to significant shellfish contamination events with Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs) aquaculture industries are adopting efficient, fast and cost-effective management tools for PSTs and the phytoplankton producing them.

This project will build on that successful work by:

• generating knowledge about commercially available DST test kits and rapid molecular techniques for toxin and species detection;
• conducting an initial assessment of DST profiles present in Australian shellfish and assess laboratory capabilities to detect these toxins;
• comparing the efficacy of DST toxin detecting kits across oysters, mussels and pipis;
• developing a DST qPCR assay for species detection for onsite farm use; and
• providing cost versus benefit analysis of improved testing of DSTs in Tasmanian shellfish.