Management of harmful benthic dinoflagellates requires targeted sampling methods and alarm thresholds

Abstract

Concern regarding Benthic Harmful Algal Blooms (BHABs) is increasing since some harmful benthic species have been identified in new areas. In the Mediterranean basin, the most common harmful benthic microalgae are Ostreopsis cf. ovata and Prorocentrum lima, which produce palytoxin-like compounds and okadaic acid respectively, and the need to implement monitoring activities has increased. However, a general agreement on appropriate strategies (e.g. sampling season, definition of alarm thresholds, etc.) is still lagging behind, especially for P. lima, whose proliferation dynamics are still poorly known.

Keywords: Alarm threshold; Benthic dinoflagellates; HABs management; HABs monitoring; Harmful algae; Sampling strategy.