Challenges and Advances in Understanding Toxin-Producing Microorganisms in Marine Ecosystems: Implications for Ecosystem Health, Public Safety, and Future Research Directions

The biodiversity of marine biota holds significant potential for contributing to the export of fishery products. However, a major challenge lies in the contamination of these marine products by toxins produced by bacteria and toxin-producing microalgae. These toxins can severely impact the sustainability of marine ecosystems, as well as human health and the environment. This review discusses the production of toxins by various species of bacteria and microalgae commonly found in marine waters, with a focus on the types of toxins, their mechanisms of formation, and the levels of production—factors influenced by both genetic and environmental conditions. Additionally, the review highlights recent research that leverages technological advances such as omics technologies, gene editing, and real-time monitoring. These approaches offer promising opportunities for sustainable management and biotechnological applications. The application of biotechnology in this context has practical value in environmental monitoring, food safety, and the prevention of harmful algal blooms and toxin-producing bacterial contamination. This review also identifies research gaps, particularly in understanding the impact of climate change, and suggests the development of predictive models as innovative strategies to control the growth of toxin-producing marine microorganisms.