Moeller, P. D., National Ocean Service/NOAA, Charleston SC, USA, peter.moeller@noaa.gov
Beauchesne, K. ., National Ocean Service/NOAA, Charleston SC, USA, Kevin.beauchesne@noaa.gov
HSIA, M. ., National Ocean Service/NOAA, Charleston, SC, USA, Michelle.Hsia@noaa.gov
Schock, T. ., National Ocean Service/NOAA, Charleston, SC, USA, Tracey.Schock@noaa.gov
Huncik, K. ., National Ocean Service/NOAA, Charleston, SC, USA, Kevin.huncik@noaa.gov

RAGS TO RICHES, TOXINS TO PHARMACEUTICALS. SEAMART

Coastal waters, one of the nation’s greatest assets, are subject to impacts from a wide variety of natural sources, as outlined in the Ocean Policy Report of the U.S. Commission (http://www.oceancommission.gov/documents/full_color_rpt/-welcome.html). Major concerns involving our coastal ecosystems have historically focused on the counter effects of the marine world on human health. In many observed marine events, such as mass fish kills, human respitory distress, red tides etc. various naturally produced chemicals are responsible for the observed effects. Current research is looking into the implications of these naturally produced chemicals such as marine toxins, being associated with coral death and other marine ecosystem degradative processes. However, we have also begun to understand that marine organisms produce these compounds to effectively act as anti-biotics, anti-fungal, and anti-fouling agents in efforts to protect themselves from environmental stressors. We report that identification of chemicals involved in biochemical control processes in the marine world may lead to future research investigating health effects of these chemicals in human populations. The activities exhibited by many of these natural chemicals promise potential for commercial development as drugs for human health care as well as for other viable uses enhancing the quality of human life.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: No
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 15:15