Figure 5. Microcystin detection in sea otter tissues was linked to bivalve consumption, liver damage and icterus.

A.) Wild southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) consuming a clam in Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay. B.) Diffuse icterus of oral mucous membranes of an otter poisoned by microcystin, due to severe hepatic damage and elevated plasma bilirubin. C.) Severe icterus of cartilage at the costochondral junction in a sea otter that died due to microcystin intoxication.