What type of algae produces toxins that cause shellfish poisoning?

Certain microalgae are known to produce toxins that can lead to shellfish poisoning. This phenomenon occurs primarily through a process called harmful algal blooms (HABs), where specific species of microalgae thrive, often as a result of nutrient overload in bodies of water. When shellfish, such as clams and mussels, filter feed on these toxic microalgae, they accumulate the toxins in their tissues. If humans consume these contaminated shellfish, they can experience serious health issues, including paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), and diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), depending on the type of toxins produced by the microalgae. Therefore, understanding the role of certain microalgae in shellfish poisoning is crucial for food safety and public health.