final report - Université Laval

Report
Oceans and Human Health Training Course
University of the West Indies (UWI)
Cave Hill Campus
November 22 – 26, 2010
Funded by
International Development Research Center
&
Global Health Research Capacity Strengthening Programme (GHR-CAPS)
(GHR
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A Five-Day Training Course entitled, “Human Health and the Ocean 2010” was held at the
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory in
Barbados, W.I. from November 22-26, 2010. The workshop was convened as a component of the
capacity building objective and activities or the Caribbean EcoHealth Programme (CEHP).
During the conception stage of CEHP the delivery of this course, to build capacity in Oceans
and Human Health, was deemed important due to the following:
1. The Caribbean Sea is a high-priority area for a diverse set of activities including
fisheries, tourism, shipping, recreation and extractable natural resources (oil and gas);
2. Geographical cultural and demographic factors result in most of the region’s population
living in the coastal area;
3. Most of the Region’s people rely on seafood as a major source of income, as well as a
source of their protein;
4. There are increasing threats and negative health impacts resulting from the use of
marine resources which is of direct concern to the people, governments and other
stakeholders in the Region;
5. A key tool to address these threats and impacts is to ensure that academics,
professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders are aware and equipped to address
these issues;
6. The course will therefore serve as the basis of a clearing house of knowledge and
practice and foster an oceans and human health network in the Caribbean Region.
Graduate students (from the Caribbean and Canada) and professionals (from the Caribbean)
working on health and environmental themes were therefore invited to apply to the training
course in Oceans and Human Health hosted by The University of the West Indies (UWI), Laval
University and the Caribbean EcoHealth Programme and funded by the Global Health Research
Capacity Strengthening Programme (GHR-CAPS) and the International Development Research
Institute (IDRC) of Canada. The Course took the form of a combination of interactive
presentations, field visits and lab exercises at the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory.
An important outcome of the workshop was the development of a coherent vision for the future
of ecohealth activities and research that would fundamentally change the way marine
management and human health is addressed in the Region. It will also create a new paradigm
in the Caribbean, where the issue of oceans and human health will be addressed in a holistic
and transdisciplinary manner that seeks to embody the gamut of stakeholders.
i
The workshop concluded with a plenary session where support for a national commitment to
human health and the ocean was unanimous and strong. The plenary also identified specific
priority areas for research in the Caribbean which include inter alia: fish kills, water quality
monitoring, reef monitoring and coral diseases.
ii
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
i
1.0
Introduction and Background
1
2.0
OHH Course Schedule and Proceedings
Table 1: Outline of OHH Course
2
3
3.0
3.1
3.2
Monday 22 November, 2010
MORNING SESSION
AFTERNOON SESSION
Figure 1: Laboratory Visit and Demonstration
4
4
6
7
4.0
4.1
4.2
Tuesday 23 November, 2010
MORNING SESSION
AFTERNOON SESSION
7
7
10
5.0
5.1
Wednesday 24 November, 2010
MORNING SESSION
Figure 2: Field Tour of the Bridgetown Fish Market
AFTERNOON SESSION
Figure 3: Launch of CEHP and AML in Barbados
12
12
13
13
14
6.0
6.1
6.2
Thursday 25 November, 2010
MORNING SESSION
AFTERNOON SESSION
Figure 4: Laboratory Exercise on Mercury Analysis in Fish and Hair Samples
Figure 5: Microbiological Laboratory Demonstrations
14
14
15
16
17
7.0
7.1
7.2
Friday 26 November, 2010
MORNING SESSION
AFTERNOON SESSION
18
18
22
8.0
8.1
8.2
Recommendations and Possible Next Steps
General Comments
Recommendations from the Plenary
Figure 6: Plenary Session in Progress
Figure 7: Presentation of OHH Course Participation Certificates
Figure 8: Group Photo, OHH Course
22
22
22
22
24
25
9.0
Expenditure Report
Table 2: List of Resource Persons for OHH Course
25
26
10.0
10.1
10.2
10.3
OHH Course Evaluation by Participants
Positive Items Appreciated in the Course
Difficulty Experienced and Suggested Improvements
Suggestions for Amelioration of Challenges
26
26
26
26
5.2
References
Appendix A
27
29
iii
1.0
Introduction and Background
Oceans are a major source of food for two billion humans, especially in developing countries.
Seafood provides essential fatty acids known to protect against major chronic diseases. Essential
trace elements found in seafood, such as selenium, and vitamins also play an important role to
protect our body against oxidative damages. Moreover, ocean biodiversity is the source of
emerging new medical treatments. Seafood is also the reservoir of waterborne diseases such as
cholera and marine toxin poisoning. Accumulation of food chain contaminants like heavy
metals and persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, DDT) represents a public health risk for fishing
communities especially children. Additionally, coastal pollution can also affect recreational
waters and pose significant health hazards. These factors are compounded by global climate,
environmental changes and sea level rise, which increase the severity and occurrence of extreme
climate events and the emergence of infectious diseases.
It is against this background that the five-day course on human health risks and benefits from
the ocean was conceptualised and designed. The course, delivered by a cadre of experienced
professional included presentations on contaminants in bathing sea water, marine species and
impact on human health; marine ecotoxicology, toxicology and epidemiology of POPs and
metals; natural toxins in fish (ciguatera and others); seafood safety; seafood nutrition (omega-3,
selenium etc.); and includes field tours and laboratory exercises as a key delivery tool. The field
work is organized within the Caribbean context, and the objective is that at the end of the
course, the participants will be able to predict human health impacts of ocean and
environmental changes.
1
2.0
OHH Course Schedule and Proceedings
Table 1: Schedule - OCEANS and HUMAN HEALTH Training Course
22nd- 26th of November 2010
UWI, Cave Hill Campus, BARBADOS
9:00-10:30
BREAK 20min
MONDAY 22
TUESDAY 23
WEDNESDAY 24
THURSDAY 25
FRIDAY 26
Introduction to the
course (EDewailly);
Presentation of the
course +logistics
(food,
accomodation…)
(EDewailly,
ODrescher,
LRobertson,
KMorrison);
Overview of the
CEHP
(Martin/Lyndon);
BREAK 20min
Contaminants in
environment and
marine ecosystems
(ESmith);
Small scale fisheries:
Ecosystem, human
health and culture.
(PRouja)
Natural toxins in fish
(Ciguatera and
others…)
epidemiology and
toxicology
(TMaitland,
KMorrison,
EDewailly);
Seafood safety:
microbiology and
histamine (NBadrie
and Carol Hull);
BREAK 20min
BREAK 20min
BREAK 20min
BREAK 20min
10:50-12:30
Global Health and
community of
practice ex: Central
America (Mlemire,
KMorrison);
Intro to POPs:
Stockolm+Cartagena
+new Hg
conventions,and LBS
protocol (LRobertson);
Arctic Mon. Prog.
(EDewailly); Caribbean
POPs prog (MForde);
Bridgetown
Fishmarket: Tour of
facilities discussion on
fisheries management.
Fish Samples
collection. (PRouja,
CParker)
Health and
Environmental
surveillance systems.
Examples in the
world, and what can
be done in the
Caribbean
(Tmaitland)
Introduction to PCR
analyses for WQ
indicators
MBoissionot);
Nutrition in the
Caribbean: How
seafood can help
(TMaitland,
EDewailly);
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
2
13:30-14:55
Contamination of
bathing sea water
and human health:
microbio and
epidemio of
infections, role of
fecal indicators
(MLavoie);
(Start 13:30-14:30)
Case study for POPs
and heavy metals:
monitoring projects;
application of SPMD
(Odrescher, Lsandy,
Lrobertson) 25min
(allow for transport to
PSC)
Toxicology and
epidemiology of POPs
(PAyotte, EDewailly);
BREAK 10min
BREAK 25min
(allow for transport
to lab)
START at 15:25 at
AML 2 lab activities.
Methods of water
sampling and
microbio analysis
(MLavoie,
ODrescher, tech
microbio); Finish at
17:00.
FIELD TRIP;
(15:00-16:00) Guided
tour of top marina
(Port St Charles), learn
about their Env.
criteria/water quality
program.
(16:30-19:30)
Catamaran Cruise.
Collect water samples
and Observe West
coast sights like the
B'town port, sewage
outfall, Atlantis
submarine dive site,
rum distillery... (19:30)
BREAK 10min
15:05-16:30
17:00-18:00
Transport to lab
after lunch. Lab:
Reading of bacterial
count, filtration,
interpretation (Lisa,
Shervon, OD);
Roundtable
discussions
(EDewailly,
MLavoie).
BREAK 10min
Discussion on
priorities in the
Caribbean for the
diff islands. Policy
making (Paul
Rickett,
LRobertson,
MForde, NBadrie,
HP);
Toxicology and
epidemiology of
metals (PAyotte,
EDewailly);
Lab: Analysis of Hg
in fish and hair
extracts (Lisa,
Shervon,
ODrescher);
Social activity,
maybe
presentations of
findings?
LAUNCH OF AML in
Barbados
START OF PT
meeting
3
BREAK 10min
3.0
Monday 22 November, 2010
3.1
MORNING SESSION
The Five-Day Course on Ocean and Human Health on Monday 22 November at 9:00 a.m.
Participants were welcomed to the Course by Dr. Eric Dewailly, Université Laval (Canada)
who gave a quick overview of the purpose of the training course. This was followed by the
delivery of “Raison d’être for a short Course in Human Health and the Ocean” and a
Presentation entitled, “Human Health and Ocean Changes: A Public Health Perspective.”
This presentation served as an introduction and framework for the Course. Dr. Dewailly
underscored the importance of the oceans globally – physically, economically, socioeconomically and its role in health and nutrition. The presentation then outlined the public
health risks from oceans – both of natural and anthropogenic origin. Emphasis was placed on
those identified by Knap, Dewailly, Furgal et al (2002), persistent organic pollutants (POPs),
methyl mercury, marine toxins (ciguatera etc.) and pathogens (especially those of regional
importance). The relationship between selenium and mercury was outlined, supported by
studies done with the Inuit and in Nunavik.
The presentation further examined the issue of sea bathing and human health, including
infections, ecosystem anomalies such as algal bloom, and their indicators. The presentation
concluded with issue of climate change and public health, primarily the increase in algal
blooms, and the relationship between climate change and marine toxins and algal blooms and
cholera. Dewailly concluded that “any action and research contributing to the protection or the
restoration of our oceans will ultimately contribute to improve mankind well-being.”
A presentation on the “Overview of the CEHP” was provided by Dr. Martin Forde, St. George’s
University (Grenada). The presentation provided an overview of the Caribbean EcoHealth
Programme and its genesis and research activities over the past three (3) years. He indicated the
management structure which consists of Principal Investigators and the Project Coordinating
Unit (PCU) along with the administration of the funds. He outlined the objectives of the
programme which are two fold: to conduct research in health and the environment and to build
capacity for research in health and the environment. The core research areas of the programme
were outlined with emphasis on the “Human Monitoring of Exposure to Persistent Organic
Pollutants, Heavy Metals, Pesticides and Zoonoses.”
4
Delivery on Global Health Research and Community of Practice – the Example of Central
America was provided by Dr. Mélanie Lemire (Laval University) and Dr. Karen Morrison
(University of Guelph). This presentation was in two parts: in the first part, Dr. Mélanie Lemire
highlighted the Lessons Learned from the Tapajós: 15 years of Research (1994 – 2008), The
CARUSO Project in the Brazilian Amazon. The research project was in response to the high
levels of mercury in fish and in the human populations, which was initially attributed to
mining, but which was eventually linked to the agricultural practices in the region. Because the
Tapajós River was central to live in the Brazilian Amazon, identifying solutions or methods to
address the issue was very pertinent. The researchers adopted an ecosystem approach to the
issue, which required collaboration between the natural, social and health sciences.
Over the fifteen years of the project, there were several milestones, including the situational
analysis, problem identification and the building of solutions in conjunction with the
community, re-valuation of the project and the upscaling from local communities to regional
projects.
These latest rounds of activities are centred on factors that influence mercury
absorption, metabolism and effects, and there have been results that seem to indicate a direct
correlation between fish consumption and mercury absorption. This pattern is also seasonal,
and led researchers to link its occurrence to the types of fish consumed by the inhabitants, most
of which vary seasonally. Because of effects of mercury poisoning, and the fact that the elevated
levels of mercury entering the populace was most likely due to bioaccumulation and
biomagnifications, one of the methods adopted was to caution the populace with respect to the
species of fish that were “safer” to consume. Other initiatives which were concluded based on
and a study of agricultural practices, diet and health (fruit, fish and mercury, omega- 3 and
selenium) and social communications on mercury discussions led to the production of two
series
of
materials
based
on
the
use
of
mercury
and
fish:
http://www.unites.uqam.ca/gmf/caruso/caruso_articles_01.htm.
Dr. Karen Morrison concluded the second part of this presentation by giving an overview on the
Community of Practice and Networks in Environmental Health. Participants were introduced to the
various existing communities of ecohealth practice in Latin America and Canada (COPEH-LAC
and COPEH-CAN), their work and their contact details. She also highlighted the work of the
Global Health Research Capacity Strengthening Program (GHR-CAPS), and the International
Association for Ecology & Health (http://www.ecohealth.net).
She explained that ecohealth is an emerging field, and compared the emphasis/ approaches of
other fields (ecology, epidemiology, medicine, environmental health, health promotion) to
ecohealth. To illustrate the key concepts of ecohealth, Dr. Morrison proceeded to give a research
example of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Cuban Coastal Communities (Mariel, Baracoa y Santa Cruz
del Norte). The existence of ciguatera has been known in Cuba as early as the 16th Century
(Parra, 1787), and the word “enciguartarse” has even been adopted into the language. Poey
(1866) noted that “… six species have been “prohibited from time immemorial”, including
barracuda, black jack (or black trevally), horse eye jack and the green moray eel …”, which is
corroborated with anecdotal accounts, especially as it pertains to the barracuda. As a result,
there is legislation prohibiting the consumption of specific fish , especially if they are caught on
the north of the island. However, because of the importance of seafood, persons are still
5
affected by the toxin, and local endeavour to find ways to identify ciguatoxic fish (e.g. if they eat
‘manzanillo’). However, the toxin, as well as its mechanism of action on humans and why it
does not affect fish is poorly understood, and as stated by Scheuer (1991), ciguatera is “a
problem in ecology, par excellence”.
The research undertaken by Dr. Morrison utilised mixed methods, and involved working with
the fishing communities in Mariel, Baracoa y Santa Cruz del Norte and yielded several key
findings including lower cases of ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) where fishing communities
were visible and accessible; the illegal catch and sale of banned fish a key issue, and degraded
reef systems appear linked to increased outbreaks of CFP on land. It was also noted that the
health authorities in these areas are sensitised about the illness, and there is an increased
likelihood of its diagnosis as a result. It was concluded that there was the need to design
solutions to real-world problems and present value-driven arguments, to which, an ecohealth
centred approach could be key.
Dr. Morrison provided the audience with some examples of publications done on ciguatera in
Cuba, as well as publications in ecohealth.
3.2
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with a presentation on Bacterial Indicators in Marine Recreational
Waters delivered by Professor Marc Lavoie, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus
(Barbados). The presentation explored the topic of diseases related to the use of recreational
waters, their categories, and the greatest danger to recreational waters, which is fecal
contamination. In an effort to monitor and manage marine and other recreational waters, it is
crucial to conduct water quality testing on a regular basis. However, the challenge is to identify
the "ideal" bacterial indicator for the relevant situation.
The presentation outlined the use of various methods of water quality monitoring using
bacterial indicators, including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. Coli, fecal streptococci
(enterococci), the methods for testing and detection, and also summarised the relationship
between these organisms. Other indicator organisms were also highlighted.
The presentation then discussed the principal water quality testing methods, some of which are
employed by the Atlantis Laboratory, and set out guidelines for indicators based on various
water quality epidemiological studies from around the globe as compiled by Wade et. al. (2003).
These guidelines serve as a basis to derive beach water quality standards, but it was noted that
most of the standards currently in use are based on studies or field data for temperate regions,
and not indigenous to the tropical characteristics of the region. For example, Barbados uses a
combination of the levels set by US EPA and UNEP as reflected in the LBS Protocol. The
presentation concluded with research that the Presenter and colleagues were doing on bacterial
faecal indicators in the tropics.
The afternoon session concluded with a visit to Atlantis Mobile Laboratory and demonstration
of the analytical capabilities and techniques. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Lyndon
6
Robertson, Laboratory Manager. Methods of Water Sampling and Microbiological Analysis were
demonstrated by Mr. Shervon De Leon, Lab Technician (Microbiology Lab). Demonstration of
instrumentation and analyses for heavy metals, POPs and pesticides were delivered by Ms. Lisa
Sandy, Lab Technician (Chemistry Lab) while Ms. Olivia Drescher, MSc. Research student from
Laval University outlined the analytical capability of the ecotoxicology lab.
Figure 1
Laboratory Visit and Demonstration – Atlantis Mobile Laboratory
4.0
Tuesday 23 November, 2010
4.1
MORNING SESSION
The session began with a presentation on the Contaminants in the Environment and Marine
Ecosystems and toxicological considerations delivered by Lecturer Dr. Emma Smith of the
University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (Barbados). The presentation outlined the
definition and concept of pollutants and factors which lead to substance being considered
pollutants (persistence, toxicity, ability to bioaccumulate etc.). Identifying the properties of a
pollutant is very important if one wants to manage and regulate its emission into the
environment. Dr. Smith identified six (6) key classes of pollutants of concern (non-point sources
and trash, mercury and heavy metals, pesticides, POPs, sewage & sludge and petroleum) and
also indicated that there are several new and emerging contaminants to be concerned about
(e.g. fluoridated retardants).
7
In addressing the sources and effects of contaminants in the marine environment and
ecosystems, the modeling of the route of contaminants is important. This may be done by the
use of bio-indicators (bivalves etc.) which don't eliminate pollutants like fishes and other
organisms, which essentially make them a living timeline. However, while some relationships
have been established (e.g. an increase in the use of pesticide = greater concentration in the
tissue of mussels), in practical terms what does this translate into? Will there be less mussels?
Will people eat less of them? In this regard, a classification can be made of the hazards by their
composition, toxicity, persistence, sources and volumes, and biological effect techniques
(bioassays, bio-markers, disease) used to observe their effect. Examples include studies on the
fate of organotoxins in marine water (Gibbons & Bryan, 1996), TBT in dogwhelks (Gibbs et al.,
1987). Smith also indicated that there are new techniques to undertake these studies, which
have some distinct advantages over the use of living organisms (motility,
reproduction, possibility of invasive species if used in non-native environments etc.) The use of
semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and the polar organic chemical integrated sampler
(POCIS) can be used in the field, and their membrane analyzed by LCMS or GCMS to get an
idea of the pollutants present in the ambient environment
Utilizing these techniques can yield data, which can form the basis for the elaboration
of environmental quality standards (EQSs) for the marine environment in treaties and
legislation (e.g. OSPAR ; the EU Water Quality Directive). In the Caribbean, an example is
Barbados, which had studies done (Stantec Consulting Inc., 2003), and the use of ANZEEC and
ARMCANZ which are developed in New Zealand and Australia for tropic waters. However,
no indigenous standards exist for the Caribbean, and permissible levels of pollutants are
usually extrapolated from the generic levels outlined in treaties such as Stockholm,Rotterdam,
LBS and Basel. This is therefore an area which can be further developed in the Caribbean.
The second session which focused on selected international policy and legislative framework
for the management of toxic substances and protection of the marine environment of the wider
Caribbean region. Due to the relevance of the work executed under CEHP the presentation
consisting of an Overview of Stockholm Convention, LBS Protocol to the Cartagena Convention and the
proposed Mercury Convention. This was delivered by Mr. Lyndon Robertson Project Coordinator
Caribbean Ecohealth Programme and manager of Atlantis Mobile Laboratory.
The Stockholm Convention was implemented to protect human health and the environment from
persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It is ratified by over 160 countries, including most
Caribbean states, and saw the initial ban (with the exclusion of “specific exemptions” or
“acceptable purposes” in disease vector control) of 12 POPs (dubbed the “dirty dozen”) and
subsequently 9 additional substances added in 2009. The Convention has 4 major areas: control
of both intentionally, unintentionally introduced POPs and those in stockpiles or waste
facilities; procedure for adding new POPs; general obligations and financial and technical
assistance. Parties are required to develop a national inventory, conduct a national assessment
and develop a national implementation plan. Thus far, some Caribbean countries have accessed
funding under the financial and technical assistance provisions to conduct activities (e.g.
Guyana).
8
The LBS Protocol to the Cartagena Convention is one of the three (3) protocols to the Convention
pursuant to the Regional Seas Programme (RSP) for the Caribbean Region. The Protocol which
seeks to address the management of land based sources of pollution and their discharge,
recently entered into force. It identifies priority source categories, and priority pollutants and
has mechanisms for characteristics to be considered in evaluating pollutants of concern ;
considerations for determining effluent and emission source controls and management ;
characteristics of the receiving environment ; agricultural non-point sources of pollution and
domestic wastewater – pretreated industrial effluents. A practical application of the Protocol
was illustrated by a Case Study of the Vieux Fort Sewage Needs Assessment Project and the
practice in Barbados.
The presentation concluded with an introduction to the proposed Mercury Convention (current
estimate is that the treaty could be adopted in 2013), which was initiated and pursued by the
call by Switzerland for an international legally binding instrument on mercury. While still in its
negotiation phase, there have been significant contributions by UNEP (Report to the Governing
Council on the outcome of the discussions of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Mercury,
UNEP/GC.25/5/Add.1) and Canada (Elements of Text and Options for a Mercury Treaty), and the
hope is that the convention can be signed in 2013 at Minamata, the Japanese coastal town
where, in the 1950s, 3000 people died of mercury poisoning after eating contaminated fish.
Dr. Dewailly then outlined the Arctic Monitoring Programme for POPs and Mercury for which he was
lead scientist. The presentation entitled, “Monitoring POPs in Humans: From AMAP to CariMAP’
showed similarities between the Arctic and Caribbean Programmes. This presentation introduced
participants to the role of monitoring, and utilised the activities and data collected during the
Arctic Monitoring Programme as a case-study. Additionally, the relevant lessons learned from
this programme have been utilised as a baseline for the data collection and monitoring
programme currently underway in the Caribbean.
The monitoring studies begun in the Arctic region and focused initially on the levels of
contaminants in polar bears’ milk. Importantly, many of the contaminants found were not used
in the Arctic, indicating that POPs accumulating in the seafood chain were as a result of longrange transmission. The study compared the analysis of maternal vs. cord blood, and was able
to determine specific spatial trends and assess patterns of exposure. This facilitated
international comparisons and temporal trends in exposure.
Dr. Martin Forde presented the Caribbean Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Programme
challenges and the results that are available to date. The POPs and heavy metals results for
Dominica was used as the case study presentation and showed that the study population for
Dominica (pregnant mothers in their last trimester) had higher concentration of lead and
mercury in their blood than the values available for Canada and the USA but the values were
less than the WHO guidelines.
9
4.2
AFTERNOON SESSION
The session began with a presentation of environmental monitoring activities, rationale for
choice of parameters and the priorities of national government agencies in the region. This
presentation gave participants an overview into the activities of the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory
during its tenure in the Caribbean region and was delivered by Lyndon Robertson. The lab has
been physically in three countries – Grenada, Dominica and now Barbados – conducting
environmental monitoring activities nationally, and has also done some work for the Soufriere
Marine Management Area in St. Lucia. These activities have included liaising and seeking the
participation of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government, NGOs and many
other institutions. A key approach adopted by the project is to include local personnel in the
environmental monitoring activities to ensure capacity building and the development of a skillset within the specific territory and in the Region.
In the case of Dominica, the ambient water quality monitoring undertaken by the lab focused on
both marine water quality monitoring of the western coastline (micro-indicators, heavy metals –
specifically mercury) and freshwater monitoring (micro-indicators, inorganic nutrients, heavy
metals – specifically mercury and lead). There was also some work done with the indigenous
population of the island, at special request by the Carib Territory Regional Council, which
included ambient water quality, pipe borne water quality, springs and pesticides residue in
food crops.
The presentation concluded with a microbiological analysis of the samples taken from north,
south and west coasts of Dominica, the Picard River, the rivers and drinking water supply in
the Carib Territory and the potable water in Portsmouth, Granvilla and Ross University. The
bacterial indicators utilized included Enterococci, E. Coli and C. perfringens and the results were
compared with the acceptable levels prescribed by the US EPA and the LBS Protocol.
A similar microbiological analysis was conducted in Soufriere, and the preliminary results for
Enterococci, C. perfringens and E. Coli in springs, rivers and marine samples were presented.
As a continuation of the monitoring activities executed by Atlantis lab in the Caribbean Ms. Lisa
Sandy, Lab Technician (Chemistry Lab) delivered on the preliminary results for the chemical
analyses that were conducted. This presentation focused on the chemical results of the health
and environmental monitoring activities in Dominica. Twenty-nine analyses were done for
organochlorine pesticides in the freshwater sources in Carib territory (rivers and springs),
Dominica’s Water and Sewage Company (DOWASCO) major intakes (freshwater) and marine
water (Portsmouth coast). Secondly, analyses for organophosphorous pesticides were done in
four matrices – fresh water, marine water, soil and plant tissues. Fifty-five samples were in the
same water sources tested for organochlorine pesticides, forty-eight in soil and plant matrices
and at DOWASCO’s request, forty-seven samples were taken to be tested for chlorophenols at 3
water intakes. The analyses yielded results for the determination of trihalomethane compounds.
10
Inorganic nutrient analyses (pH, phosphorous, DO, nitrates, ammonia, free and total chlorine)
for marine water, fresh water and springs was also conducted. Seventy-two sites were sampled
island wide, including Portsmouth and Carib Territory. Tests were also done on the levels of
lead and mercury (51 samples) in fresh water in Portsmouth, Carib Territory and Roseau Valley
Springs. Additionally, the marine waters of 153 coastal sites were sampled (north, south, east,
and west) for mercury and methyl mercury. Tests were also done for mercury in the tissue of
13 species of fish landed in the Portsmouth area.
Additionally river pollution profiling of the Picard River was also done for levels of phosphates
and nitrates.
An additional case study presentation was made by Olivia Drescher of Laval University on
Hair Mercury Profile and Fish Consumption Habits within the Fishing Community of Barbados. The
work of the ecotoxicology lab of the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory was featured in the
presentation. The pilot study and analyses undertaken by Ms. Drescher were in response to the
occurrence of mercury in the environment, its potential effect and the relevant food safety
guidelines concerning the metal and its metabolite methyl mercury. Mercury bioaccumulates in
the aquatic food chain and fish contain the highest levels of mercury (80 to 90% methylmercury
(MeHg). Its occurrence in humans and the impact on their health depends on the frequency
and amount of fish consumed, as well as the mercury concentration in the fish. This situation is
of great concern to Barbados and other Caribbean countries because of the high demand for
fish, its widespread use, and the paucity of data on mercury. Fishermen and their families are
identified as the population sub-group that are most exposed.
The objective of this Pilot Study was to investigate the mercury situation for the island of
Barbados, by:
1. Providing baseline data for the main sources (species) of mercury by assessing mercury
levels of fish commonly landed in Barbados;
2. Assessing and calculate the type and quantity of fish consumed by the population
subgroup made up of Barbados fisherman and their families;
3. Evaluating the body burden of methylmercury in the population subgroup using hair as
a biomarker.
Fish samples (100) were collected from local markets and restaurants around Barbados, and
were analyzed using cold vapor absorption spectrophotometry. For the hair samples, using the
snowball sampling techniques, 75 volunteers with at least one family member related to the fish
trade, and who were in Barbados for more than 30 days prior to the participation date were
recruited from either the Bridgetown or Oistins markets. Participants were asked to sign a
11
consent form, and apart from the hair sample obtained, they were administered a brief
questionnaire.
Sixteen species of fish were analyzed and the mercury levels for seven were compared with the
USDA acceptable levels. The Study has achieved a number of positive outcomes, including the
creation of a link between UWI and AML, laboratory training and new topics for research in the
area. Additionally the Researcher hopes to disseminate her results – to individuals, the
scientific community and to policymakers and other relevant stakeholders. Further, because the
pilot study was undertaken in the Caribbean region, the application of findings to the general
population, and possibly to similar Caribbean nations is a viable option (while recognizing
potential variations in diets). Also, the clarification of mercury profiles will help inform the
populace about the importance of varying fish species consumed in order to minimize mercury
exposure (especially for pregnant women),and suitable and appropriate recommendations can
be drafted to inform the population at risk should the need arise. Eventually, clarifying
methylmercury exposure issues in high fish eating populations is crucial for public health
policies.
The evening culminated with participants given a tour of the Port St. Charles Marina facility,
and given the opportunity to learn about their environmental criteria and water quality
monitoring programme. This was followed by a boat trip along the west coast of Barbados
where water samples were collected at various points of interest.
5.0
Wednesday 24 November, 2010
5.1
MORNING SESSION
The morning session began with a presentation by Dr. Philippe Rouja (Department of
Conservation Services, Government of Bermuda) on Ecosystems, Human Health and Culture.
The circumstances belying what at the time was thought to be an unlikely marriage between
anthropology, the health sciences and the ecosystem was discussed in this presentation. During
postgraduate studies, Philippe Rouja had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Eric Dewailly,
as well as do research with David H. Turner on the Aboriginals in Australia. One of the
outcomes of Turner’s research was to document the nexus between the social relationships and
resources use patterns among the people he observed. These activities were principally marine
resources, such as fish, marine turtles, sting rays etc.
Subsequently, his doctoral studies
afforded him to work with the Bardi Aboriginals of One Arm Point, Western Australia, and
further examine and appreciate the nexus between their fishing and culture.
In fact, Rouja concluded that the fishing and distribution patterns were an obvious reflection of
specific cultural concerns, the result of an applied logic that represents not only active intent,
but also genius in conservation and fisheries management (Rouja and Layton, 1997). His
12
association with Dr. Dewailly also led him to realise that the Bardi also consumed the entrails of
fish, including the Signanus linneatus, whose intestine is coated in fatty tissue. Subsequent
analyses found that the flesh and fat deposits of the Signanus linneatus was rich in n3-fatty acids.
This begun research and publication on the relationship between fish fat, the benefits and risks
of fish consumption and human health in Australia, Bermuda and French Polynesia etc.
The morning session continued with a trip to the Bridgetown Fish Market. The exercise
included a tour of the facilities of the complex, discussion with fisherfolk, fishermen and
fisheries personnel of various aspects of fisheries management in Barbados and the collection of
samples (e.g. shark oil) for further analysis at the AML.
Figure 2
Field Tour of the Bridgetown Fish Market
5.2
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session began with a presentation on the toxicology and epidemiology of POPs delivered by
Dr. Pierre Ayotte (National Institute of Public Health of Quebec). This presentation outlined the
structure and chemical properties of POPs, which illustrated their toxic effects, It also expanded
on the toxicity of POPs, which are primarily endocrine disruptors, disruptors of thyroid
hormone transport and gave examples of results using an organochlorine mixture. The
presentation also compared the toxicology and epidemiology of POPs (Ritter and Arbuckle,
2007), and illustrated how toxicology can support epidemiology including utilising the
13
examples of studies with an organochlorine mixture on the hormonal properties in gene
expression bioassays, the developmental toxicity in pigs and the developmental toxicity in rats.
The toxicology and epidemiology of POPs continued with an additional presentation by Dr.
Eric Dewailly in which he examined the definition of POPs, and outlined the effect of POPs on
human health. To this end, areas of existing research were outlined: immune system function
(OCs) (clinical, immunization, bio-markers); neurodevelopment; hormone disruption (OCs)
(male fertility and maturation, osteoporosis, thyroid hormones) and cardio vascular and
metabolic effects.
The presentation then chronicled the epidemiology of POPs from birth to death, and possible
attendant effects, citing data from studies conducted with newborns, children, the Inuit, and
the more recent area of focus – adults (both male and female). Links were made to areas such as
breast cancer, diabetes, sperm motility and male fertility, testicular cancer and endometriosis.
The evening session concluded with the entire OHH course participants attending the launch of
the Caribbean EcoHealth Programme and Atlantis Mobile Laboratory at the Compound of the
Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). Present were the representatives
of the Barbadian Governmental Ministries, CIMH, personnel from national laboratories,
representative of the University of the West Indies, partners and affiliates of CEHP and other
invited guest. The feature address was delivered by Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner Junior
Minister of Health.
Figure 3
Launch of CEHP and AML in Barbados
6.0
Thursday 25 November, 2010
6.1
MORNING SESSION
The morning session covered Natural Toxins in Fish (Ciguatera and others) Epidemiology and
Toxicology and presentations on this subject were delivered by Dr. Therese Maitland (national
Epidemiologist, Turks and Caicos Islands), Dr. Karen Morrison (University of Guelph and Dr.
Eric Dewailly). The feature presentation entitled, “Balancing the Risk and Benefits of Local Fish
14
Consumption in Bermuda,” showcased work done by the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory in 2003.
Monitoring of mercury in fish tissues and in the blood of pregnant mother indicated that levels
of methyl mercury were bio-accumulating in the food chain and posing a risk of exposure to
humans. The results we use to inform the decision making arm of the Ministry of Health and an
advisory was issued to pregnant mothers with regards to the consumption of fish. The
monitoring system used and the analyses of the results were discussed in details.
The subsequent presentation featured Health and Environmental Surveillance Systems for
seafoods and was delivered by Dr. Maithland using specific reference to the programme
developed and ongoing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Maitland gave an overview of the
necessity and importance of health and seafood surveillance to epidemiological study and
public health control. As an example she went into surveillance systems for ciguatera in
general, and then specifically to the Caribbean region. From the presentation, it was evident
that there was dearth of information and data in the Region, and generally the Caribbean does
not have a robust reporting system. Reporting is least done in the lesser economically
privileged and non-endemic (for ciguatera) territories, but there exists a mechanism where the
Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) acts as a regional “clearing house”. However this
mechanism is heavily dependent on information and reports obtained from member states.
Dr. Maitland proceeded to give examples of incidences of ciguatera reported in the Caribbean
(based on reported landings of fish causing ciguatera) and the surveillance system in the Turks
& Caicos Islands. In closing she indicated that two key tools to ciguatera and other
health/seafood surveillance are the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
networking and corporation systems between agencies and entities concerned with health and
seafood regulation.
Dr. Maurice Boissinot (Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie, Laval University) then delivered a
presentation on, “Identification of Microbes: From Phenotypes to Genotypes,” using the
technique of Polymerase Chain Reaction. He provided an overview of the nomenclature for
bacteria, the technique of PCR and analyses using gel electrophoresis, molecular typing for
bacteria and advances in the sciences of real-time PCR. This demonstrated to course
participants the advance molecular analytical tools available for the identification of bacteria
and how they are applied to support the work of science with examples based on the previous
work of the Atlantis Lab.
6.2
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was dedicated to practical laboratory exercises demonstrated by Lisa
Sand and Olivia Drescher in the chemistry and ecotoxicology units. It involved the
demonstration and hands on exercises in the analysis of mercury in hair and fish samples. This
lab session was a follow-up to the presentation by Olivia Drescher on Hair Mercury Profile and
Fish Consumption Habits within the Fishing Community of Barbados. Participants were given a
stepwise demonstration of how the collected samples are processed and analyzed and the data
recorded and tabulated. At the end of the exercise, participants were able to compare the results
of the session with those identified in the presentation. The outcome of comparable results
indicated that the samples were properly stored and the methods of analysis were internally
consistent.
15
Figure 4
Laboratory Exercise on Mercury Analysis in Fish and Hair Samples
16
Simultaneously, demonstration of the microbiological analyses and interpretation of results was
conducted by Mr. Shervon DeLeon in the microbiology module. This lab session served as a
practical demonstration of the work conducted in the laboratory as explained by Dr. Mark
Lavoie in his presentation Bacterial Indicators in Marine Recreational Waters and the results for
the analyses of the water samples collected during the field trip were used as the basis for the
demonstration. Participants were given a comprehensive demonstration of how microbiological
samples are prepared from the sample, plated, cultured and then analyzed for various microbial
agents. A demonstration was also done on the procedure for culturing anaerobic strains of
bacteria, and it was pointed out that the AML also has new equipment to culture anaerobic
bacteria by an alternative method.
Figure 5
Microbiological Laboratory Demonstrations
17
7.0
Friday 26 November, 2010
7.1
MORNING SESSION
The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Carol Hull (DVM and PhD candidate UWI) on,
“Food Safety and Tourism in Barbados: Risk Assessment and Characterisation of Bacterial
Pathogens. This presentation, based on the doctoral work of the Presenter had five objectives:
1. To assess tourists’ perception of food safety in Barbados;
2. To review records in Barbados of reported food-borne outbreaks (1998-2009), identify
those involving tourists and the most prevalent pathogens implicated;
3. To determine the food items most implicated in outbreaks and conduct a risk assessment
in their processing and handling at sale outlets;
4. To determine the prevalent bacterial pathogens associated with these “ready-to-eat”
foods in Barbados;
5. To characterize the bacterial pathogens as to their pathogenicity, genetic composition,
antibiotic sensitivity and genetic relatedness;
Research will be conducted in both Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago, and hopes to achieve the
following outcomes:
1. Tourists’ perception of food safety in Barbados and their experience with food-borne
illnesses;
2. Outbreaks of food-borne illness among tourists which occurred over the last 11 years
and the most prevalent pathogens involved;
3. The food items most implicated in the occurrence of such food-borne illnesses;
4. Isolation and characterization of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. from these
high-risk ready-to-eat foods;
5.
Level of HACCP compliance of food vendors;
6. Food safety recommendations to be made to public health and tourism industry
officials.
18
The work completed to date includes the literature review, the tourist survey, and a review of
records of food-borne outbreaks over the period 1998 – 2009. It has therefore been recognized
that tourism is a pillar of the Barbadian economy, since it is the 5th highest contributor to the
GDP (Barbados Statistical Services). Food is central to the tourist experience, ranging from
restaurants, fast-food, food centered events such as the weekly Oistins fish lyme and most
recently, food festivals. Food safety is regulated by the Environmental Health Department of
the Ministry of Health, but no formal Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems
are known to be in place, although some of the principles are employed. Thus far from the
data, literature review and questionnaire, it can be concluded that while the overall perception
of food safety in Barbados is good and experience with food-borne illness is negligible, vendors
in Barbados still need to pay attention to hygiene and sanitary practices as tourists have
indicated that these are important factors affecting their choice of vendor for food purchase.
The next phase of the research will address the other objectives of the Study, namely the
compilation of data obtained on the review of records of food-borne outbreaks in Barbados
between 1998-2009; the quantitative assessment of microbial quality of ready-to-eat foods such
as chicken and fish at popular tourist destinations in Barbados e.g. Oistins, Bridgetown, and the
characterization of the bacterial pathogens and risk assessment. This is scheduled to be
completed in December 2011.
A follow-up presentation was delivered by Dr. Neela Badrie (Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Science
and Agriculture, UWI, St. Augustine) on, “Seafood Safety : Microbiology and Histamine.” She
indicated that food quality, which includes food safety, including that of sea-food is a major
concern facing the food industry. Consumers are concerned about sea-food quality, and a
number of socio-economic aspects have further contributed to the issue of the safety of foods.
Food safety is a pre-requisite for protecting consumer health and becomes a concern with
seafood since 45 % is usually sold fresh, while the other percentage is preserved in some
medium (frozen, canned, cured etc.) (FAO, 2000). Consumer concerns therefore include
spoilage, rancidity, the effects of pollution, allergies and seafood-borne illness. Additionally
there are risks from biological hazards, for example sea- food borne pathogenic bacteria;
microbiological toxins, marine toxins and histamine production.
Histamine poisoning is the most common form of toxicity caused by ingestion of fish and is a
food-borne chemical intoxication occurring a few minutes to several hours following the
ingestion of foods that contain high levels of histamine (Taylor, 1983, 1986). While histamine is
toxic, it is stored in specialised cells where its release is regulated, but handling and
temperature abuse allow the enzyme histidine decarboxylase to catalyse the breakdown of
histidine to histamine and related compounds. Thus, fishes with naturally high levels of free
histidine such as tuna, mackerel, blue-fish and mahi mahi (dolphinfish) need to be handled
carefully after harvesting. Histamine is thermostable and once it is in the fish, there is no
19
treatment capable of removing it. Therefore, rapid chilling of fish immediately after death is of
particular importance for fish exposed to warmer waters or air and for large tuna that generate
heat in the tissues of the fish following death. Generally fish should be placed in ice or
refrigerated seawater, in chilled sea water or brine at 4.5°C, or less within 12 hours of death,
chilled sea water or brine at 10°C or less within 9 hrs of death. Fish exposed to air or water
temperatures above 28°C or fish above 20 lbs(2.2 lbs= 1kg) that are eviscerated on-board should
be placed in ice (including packing) the belly cavity with ice) or in refrigerated seawater or brine
at 4.5°C or less within 6 hrs of death. Large tuna (i.e. above) 20 lbs that are not eviscerated
before on-board chilling should be chilled to an internal temperature of 10°C or less within 6
hrs of death. Additionally, good hygienic practices on-board at landing and during processing
to avoid contamination or recontamination of the fish by bacteria capable of amino acid
decarboxylation should be used.
For various reasons, the incidence of histamine poisoning incidents is often unreported and
many countries have enacted maximal limits or guidelines on histamine levels in traded fish.
For its detection, there exist both laboratory and rapid assessment methods which can be
utilised by industry, as well as consumers.
Dr. Maithland then made her final presentation on, “Caribbean Nutrition: The Role of
SeaFood.” In illustrating the importance of seafood to the Caribbean diet, Dr. Maitland first
outlined the relationship of the sea to Caribbean and ACP states. For the most part therefore,
Caribbean maritime waters are more than 4.5 times the total land area of the region, and
presents both challenges and opportunities for Caribbean People. As a result, the fisheries
sector is strategically becoming increasingly important to CARICOM (through the Caribbean
Fisheries Management Mechanism (CRFM) because of its economic, socio-economic, cultural
health and dietary importance.
From a health and dietary perspective, fish comprises five of the six classes of nutrients, and is a
key source of a wide gamut of macro and micro nutrients. It has long been viewed as “rich food
for poor(er) people”. While the Caribbean is not a major global contributor of fish (less than 0.2
%), of the 113,000 tonnes caught annually in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Caribbean
island countries, 45 % is consumed locally, and the region is still a net importer of fish products
in live weight and processed small pelagic species.
In concluding the first part of her presentation, Dr. Maitland proffered that fish consumption is
important to the nutrition of Caribbean people, and could reduce poverty, hunger and food
insecurity in the Region. However, the need to strengthen aquaculture and fisheries
programmes is very important, and more research is needed for better understanding of the
role of fish in decreasing malnutrition and improving the health. Additionally, the consumption
of fish could contribute to achieving MDG #4 (reducing child mortality by 67% by 2015) since
malnutrition is associated with increased child mortality rates.
20
Dr. Maitland then gave a case study of seafood consumption and dietary patterns in Bermuda
and Turks & Caicos, which was based on a household survey. The study was able to categorise
foods by frequency of consumption, and calculate island specific dietary intakes, which allowed
for the findings of the “core” diet of each of the three main islands in the Turks & Caicos
Islands. Fish was identified as a core food on all 3 islands, the most frequently consumed local
protein source, second only to chicken as most the frequently consumed non-plant protein
source. Conch was also widely used in Middle Turk.
Dr. Eric Dewailly and Dr. Philippe Rouja made a joint presentation on “Balancing the Risks and
the Benefits of Local Fish Consumption in Bermuda.” This presentation gave an overview of the
activities of the Atlantis mission in 2004. The objectives of this mission were to obtain a
complete profile of mercury and nutrients in the most important fish species consumed in
Bermuda, and to inform pregnant women, so as to decrease their exposure to mercury, while
maintaining the nutritional benefits available from fish. Fish samples were collected in fall 2003
and summer 2006 from species generally found at the top of the food chain (e.g., predatory reef
fish, pelagic fish), as well as those that people might commonly consume. In all 43 fish species
were analysed for mercury, selenium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and the results
obtained were presented for various characteristics (fish species weight and mercury content ;
mercury and selenium ; relationship between n3 PUFAs and total lipid content in the flesh of
fish; mercury and n3 PUFA content in the flesh of fish).
The final presentation on the “Epidemiology of Metals” was given by Dr. Dewailly. This
presentation was the follow-up of the session on Toxicology and Epidemiology of Metals. Dr.
Dewailly concluded his presentation on nutrition derived from fish by underscoring the
relationship between fish consumption and mercury, and the importance of ensuring that fish
consumed is below the consumption and export limit of 0.5 ppm. This is especially crucial for
pregnant women, since fish is high in nutrients. However, because of it tetarogenic effect, the
concentrations of mercury consumed by this demographic should be miniscule.
The danger of mercury is that it converts from mercury in sediments etc. to methyl mercury,
which enters the food chain, bioaccumulates and then biomagnifies. In the body, it binds to
amino acids, and replaces methamine with cystine. Exposure to mercury can affect humans in
all stages of development, but exposure from fish is a major source of mercury burden for
children in most countries. Children can also be exposed transplacentally or through breastmilk. The presentation concluded with the reference to the case studies of the Seychelles and
Faroe Islands, and the fish consumption guidelines for women and young children (US
EPA/FDA). These basically prescribe which fish NOT to eat, portion size, and the importance of
listening for advisories. In addition, it cautions that neurodevelopmental problems should be
observed in children in addition to the amount, frequency and type of fish consumed. It is
important to encourage the consumption of fish lower in methylmercury (less larger, predatory
fish and marine mammals ; use of ‘light’ or ‘chunk light’ tuna.
21
7.2
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon and closing session took the form of a plenary which highlighted a discussion of
priorities in the Caribbean and transfer of scientific knowledge into Policy.
The final session of the Training course comprised of a discussion about the five-day course, the
“next steps” and recommendations for the CEHP/AML and issues of oceans and human health
in the Region.
Figure 6
Plenary Session in Progress
8.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS
8.1
o
General Comments
The importance of the course as a capacity building tool, and as the basis for
assisting participants to design training tools and foster research & development
activities on the topic of ocean and human health was highlighted. Participants
were especially pleased at the broad gamut of issues covered by the course, the
use of case studies etc., and the spirit of “networking” present among
participants and facilitators, which could serve as a resource base for each
participant in their own respective fields of work or study;
22
o
In a related comment, several participants indicated that they felt a duty to disseminate
the information shared at the Training Course, since it was invaluable, as well as
provided a basis to share the concept of linking the use etc. of the oceans and human
health;
o
It was noted that the forum provided a wealth of research ideas which could be used as
the basis for studies at the masters and doctorate levels;
o
The organisers were congratulated on their efforts with respect to providing funding to
facilitate the attendance of students at the training course. It was noted that such
opportunities were rare, and without this assistance, the level of student attendance
would have been less. The effort to include students at some stage of their academic
or/and professional life spoke to the sincerity and sustainability of the programme;
o
It was felt that two areas which could have been strengthened were the linking of
aspects of the course to:
•
•
Fisheries ecology and marine management practices;
Policy and legislation which could support or effect areas highlighted in the
course.
o
It was also hinted that the time for the course was short, but it was the general
consensus that a longer course would have presented challenges related to
participants setting aside time to attend etc. It was suggested that the next
course could possibly be held in the “summer” period when persons, especially
students would be more available.
o
It was indicated that the course would be instrumental in changing the perception
about food hygiene and food handling in the region, since instead of being addressed in
a sectoral manner, it could be approached in a more holistic manner
o
Participants were excited about using and translating the information amassed by the
Atlantis Mobile Laboratory for use in their territories or extrapolating data, trends etc.
where relevant or applicable. Additionally they felt that this initiative could catalyze
the introduction of new technology, approaches etc. into labs in the region. Participants
also mooted the idea of links with the Atlantis Mobile Laboratory
8.2
Recommendations from the Plenary on Suggested Areas of (Further) Work for the
CEHP/AML
o
Marine pollution especially into heavy metals (Be, Cu, Pb) and hydrocarbons;
o
Water quality and water security;
o
Coral, sponge disease studies including fish kills (causes and effects);
23
o
Microbial antibody resistance of water quality indicators;
o
Clearing house/ centre for emergent diseases (cholera, leptospirosis) in the region;
o
Zoonotic diseases in the Caribbean;
o
Studies on the nutritional status of Caribbean waters.
The session ended with the presentation of certificates to participants and a group photo.
Figure 7
Presentation of OHH Course Participation Certificates
Figure 8
Group Photo, OHH Course 2010
24
9.0
Participants and Resource Persons
A total of 25 participants, representing students and professionals from the Caribbean and
Canada, attended the course from 12 different States. 15 participants were sponsored by GHRCAPS and 10 were funded by IDRC. Qualifications of participants remanded from PostDoctoral Students to PhD, MSc, MPhil, MPH students and professionals.
The list of participant and contact details is attached.
Resource person were multidisciplinary and the main presenters are included in Table 2.
Table 2: List of Resource Persons for OHH Course
Main Presenters
• Dr. Eric Dewailly – Laval University
• Dr. Emma Smith – UWI, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
• Dr. Martin Forde – St. George’s University
• Dr. Marc Lavoie – UWI, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
• Dr. Terese Maitland – Ministry of Health, Turks and Caicos Islands
• Dr. Phillipe Rouja – Government of Bermuda
• Dr. Neela Badrie – UWI- St Augustine Campus, Trinidad
• Dr. Pierre Ayotte – INSPQ, Quebec, Canada
• Dr. Maurice Boissinot - Laval University
• Dr. Karen Morrison – University of Guelp
• Dr. Melanie Lemire – Laval University
• Dr. Carol Hull-Jackson – University of the West Indies
Other Demonstrators and Support Persons
• Lisa Sandy – CEHP, Chemistry Technician
• Olivia Drescher – Laval university, Research Student
• Shervon DeLeon - CEHP, Microbiology Technician
• Lyndon Robertson – Coordinator
Administrative support
• Tara Chase - CIMH
• Renee White - CIMH
25
10.0
OHH Course Evaluation by Participants
10.1
Positive Items Appreciated in the Course
Participants indicated a number of positive aspects of the OHH course and appreciated its
relevance and delivery. This included inter alia:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
10.2
The depth of information that was delivered by the presenters including mercury and
histamine;
Lab techniques, field work demonstration and high level of organisation;
Good quality presentations by renowned experts in the relevant fields who expertly
delivered on the topics;
Broad coverage of topics, diversity and approachability of the presenting team members;
The course drew the link between the ocean and Humans and demonstrated how
lifestyles, cultures and ecosystems are linked to Human Health and Oceans;
Multidisciplinary participants from the Caribbean and Canada allowing for exchange of
information during discussions;
Network created between the participants and resource persons;
The OHH Course was very relevant to the Caribbean region.
Difficulty Experienced and Suggested Improvements
Some challenges experienced by participants included;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
10.3
Short time for delivery of the topics of the course and massive scientific information
provided condensed format;
More time should be allocated for hands on lab technique and calculations;
More time should have been allocated for group work and discussion among the
participants of the course since they were of diverse background;
Microphone should have been used for questions and answer sessions;
Small working space in the labs could not accommodate many participants to be
involved in the practical sessions;
To supplement the presentations, background information on topics should have been
distributed prior to the course
Awareness and education component should have been included.
Suggestions for Amelioration of Challenges
Suggestion to enhance the delivery of the OHH Course included;
•
•
•
•
Use of more examples from the Caribbean;
Allocate more time for field work and practical sessions;
Convene more sessions for group activities and discussions;
Suggest readings prior to the training course to provide background and context could be
helpful;
26
REFERENCES
Dewailly E, Rouja P, Dallaire R, Pereg D, Tucker T, Ward J, Weber J.P, Maguire JS, Julien P.
“Balancing the Risks and the Benefits of Local Fish Consumption in Bermuda” (2008) 25(11)
Food Additives and Contaminants Part A, 1328-1338
Rouja P.M, Dewailly E, Blanchet C and the Bardi Community. “Fat, Fishing Patterns, and
Health Among the Bardi People of North Western Australia” 38 (4) LIPIDS, 399-405
Knap,A., Dewailly,E., Furgal,C. et al. Indicators of Ocean Health and Human Health:
Developing a Research and Monitoring Framework. EHP, 2002;110(9).
Antonio Parra “Description de Diferents Piezas” in the Antilles (1787 )
Felipe Poey (1866) Ciguatera: memoria sobre la enfermedad ocasionada por los peces
venenosos. Repertorio Físico-Natural de la Isla de Cuba, Havana, Cuba. TomoII:1–39
Scheuer P. J (1982) Marine ecology—some chemical aspects. Naturwissenschaften 69:528–533
Karen Morrison, Pablo Aguiar Prieto, Arnaldo Castro Domínguez, David Waltner-Toews and
John FitzGibbon. Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in La Habana, Cuba : A Study of Local Social–
Ecological
Resilience (2008) 5(3) Ecohealth 346-359, online :
<http://www.springerlink.com/content/0082143447077434/fulltext.html>
Lebel et al (1997)
http://www.unites.uqam.ca/gmf/caruso/caruso_articles_01.htm
http://www.pluph.uqam.ca/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/jaws/images/468738/title/jaws-photo
Mertens et al (2006)
Passos et al. (2003)
Dolbec et al (2001)
Roulet et al (1998)
Wade et al, Environmental Health Perspectives
From: WHO, 2003, Guidelines for safe recreational water environments
VOLUME 1: COASTAL AND FRESH WATERS
Shibata et al Water Res. 38:3119–3131, 2004.
DIRECTIVE 2006/7/EC of the European parliament and of the council of 15 February 2006
27
Marine Pollution Act, Proposed Discharge Standards, Appendix F, October 2004
http://www.unep.org/civil_society/GCSF10/pdfs/management-chemicals-includingmercury-Add1.pdf
http://www.unep.org/hazardoussubstances/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=_VU1ua1sPFA%3D&ta
bid=4524&language=en-US
J.C. Van Oostdam et. al. Circumpolar Maternal Blood Contamination Survey, 1994 – 1997
organochlorine compounds, Science of the Total Environment 330 (2004), 55 – 70
Ritter L, Arbuckle TE. Toxicol Sci. 2007 Jun;97(2):241-52
28
APPENDIX A
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
Name
Country
Organisation
Contact Details
Participants
Victor Amadi
Grenada
St. George’s University
c/o Small Animal Hospital
School of Veterinary Medicine
St. George’s University
True Blue, St. George’s
Grenada, West Indies.
Cel. (473). 418.3658
vamadi@sgu.edu
Megan Cox
Barbados
Caribbean Institute for
Meteorology and
Hydrology
Lot 17, The Hope
St George, Barbados
West Indies
Ph. : (246).425.1362
mcox@cimh.edu.bb
Renee Dallaire
Canada
Epidemiologist
Population and
Environmental Health
Research Areas
Centre de Recherché du
CHUQ
2875, boulevard Laurier
6eme étage, Édifice Delta 2,
bureau 600, Sainte-Foy,
Québec, G1V 2M2, CANADA
renee.dallaire@crchul.ulaval.ca
Newton Eristhee
St. Lucia
Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries (SMMA)
Soufriere Marine Management Association
P.O. Box 305, Soufriere,
St. Lucia, West indies
Ph: (758). 459. 5500
neristhee@smma.org.lc
Francis R. Galdo Jr.
British
Virgin
Islands
Student MSc
Marine and Environmental
Science Graduate Program
University of the Virgin
Islands
PMB 230 8168
Crown Bay Marina, Ste. 310
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Cel. (727)-482-1662
900072313@myuvi.net
Judith Gobin
Trinidad &
Tobago
UWI, STA
29
c/o Dept. of Life Sciences
University of the West Indies
St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago
Ph. (868).662.2002 ext. 2046
judith.gobin@sta.uwi.edu
Natasha Ann Jones
Dominica
RUSM
04 Citronier, Roseau
Dominica , West Indies
Ph. (767). 448. 599
natashaj@hotmail.com
Alana M.S.N. Lancaster
Guyana
UG
Mélanie LeMire
Canada
Postdoctoral Fellow
Laval University
Quebec, Canada
Shandey Malcolm
Turks &
Caicos
Islands
MPH (Epidemiology and
Biostatistics)
National Epidemiology and
Research Unit
Turks and Caicos Islands
(TCI)/University of Miami
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands OR
12523 SW 125th Street
Miami, Fl, 33186 (while at UM)
Ph : (649).946. 2801 ext. 40812
smalcolm@med.miami.edu
Alisa Martin
St. Vincent
Fisheries Division, Ministry
of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries,
St. Vincent and the
Grenadines
Cane End
Mesopotamia Post Office,
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Ph : (784) 496-4738
alismartin@gmail.com
Jaceline Millar
Dominica
Laboratory Technologist
Water Quality Laboratory
Environmental Health
Department
Jerry Mitchell
Grenada
Student/Research Scientist
St Georges University/
Windward Islands Research
and Educational
Foundation (WINDREF)
Therese Moore
Barbados
Data Collector
Fisheries Division
S ½ 269 Forshaw Street
Queenstown, Georgetown
GUYANA, South America
Tel. (592). 227.1273
alana.lancaster@gmail.com
30
Axe
Santé
des
Populations
Environnementale
Centre de Recherche du CHUQ
2875 Boulevard Laurier
Édifice Delta 2, bureau 600
Québec G1V 2M2, Qc, Canada
Ph 418. 656. 4141 ext 46 535
melanie.lemire@crchuq.ulaval.ca
Botanical Gardens, Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica
Ph. : (767). 266. 3826
jace_mill@yahoo.com
Edward Street, Gouyave, St John
Grenada, West Indies
Ph. : (473). 444.3997
mitjer@sgu.edu
Princess Alice Highway
Bridgetown, St. Michael, Barbados
Ph. : (592). 427.8480
tmoore@agriculture.gov.bb
et
Stephen Nimrod
Grenada
SGU
Norman Norris
Dominica
Fisheries Officer
Fisheries Division
Benedict Peters
Grenada
National Disaster
Management Agency
Claudius Prospere
St. Lucia
Department of
Environmental Heath
Ministry of Health , Saint
Lucia
St. George’s University
P.O. Box 7, St. George’s
Grenada, West Indies
Ph. : (473). 444. 4175 ext. 3652
Email : snimrod@sgu.edu
Ministry of Environment, and Fisheries
Roseau Fisheries Complex Bldg
Dame M. E. Charles Blvd, Bay Front
Roseau, Dominica., W.I.
Ph: (767). 266. 5291/2
nojnorris@gmail.com
Paradise, St. Andrew
Grenada, West Indies
Tel. 473.443.5618
bouncing98@hotmail.com
c/o Department of Environmental Health
Ministry of Health, Saint Lucia
(758). 468. 3700
claudie_pros@hotmail.com
112, 12th st. Barataria
Trinidad
Ph: 868 622 9638
milshahramkissoon@yahoo.com
Milshah Ramkisson
Trinidad &
Tobago
UWI, STA
Marisol Rueda
Flores
Mexico
Coordinator (Mexico)
Healthy Reefs for Healthy
People Initiative
Fuente de Agua Azul #22
in front of Av. Fuente de la Bastilla.
C.P. 77710, Playa del Carmen,
Quintana Roo,, México
Ph. +52 984 109 04 84
rueda@healthyreefs.org
rfmarisol@gmail.com
Evan Schneider
Canada
MSc. Candidate
Department of Population
Medicine University of
Guelph
21 Green St.
Guelph
ON
N1H 2H2
Canada
Cel. : (519). 362.7547
eschneid@uoguelph.ca
Sarah Wilmer
Canada
University of Guelph
31
19 Cranberry Crt. Guelph Ont. N1K 1R9
Ph # (519) 821-0564
Email: swilmer@uofguelph.ca