The research efforts into the cause of the mass sealion mortality that happened in the sub antarctic Auckland Islands during February has been summarised and is available on the web at the following link.

http://www.massey.ac.nz/~wwvet/SEALION.HTM

There is no evidence of a cause that can be found to date. The Massey University scientists speculate over the involvement of an algal biotoxin in the report. My laboratory has investigated the available samples and found no trace of known (or detectable) toxins, however, due to the remoteness of the location, and lack of suitable seawater samples this cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. Hope the report is of interest, I will be happy to answer any additional specific questions directly

mailto:Garthwaitei@AgResearch.cri.nz)

Ian.________________________________________________________

Dr Ian Garthwaite

Garthwaitei@AgResearch.cri.nz

Toxinology & Food Safety Research

AgResearch Ruakura, Private Bag 3123

East Street, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Tel +64-7-838-5147. Fax +64-7-838-5189