Maternal transfer and sublethal immune system effects of brevetoxin exposure in nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from western Florida.

•Documented brevetoxin levels and sublethal health effects in nesting C. caretta.•Maternal plasma brevetoxins positively correlated with albumin and gamma-globulins.•Brevetoxins were found in eggs and hatchlings, suggesting maternal transfer.•Maternal brevetoxins significantly correlated with brevetoxins in hatchling livers.•Brevetoxins in marine turtles may be related to reproductive success.