Harmful marine microalgae in coastal waters of Chubut (Patagonia, Argentina)

Abstract

A Harmful Algal Blooms Regional Monitoring Program has been carried out in Chubut coastal waters (Patagonia, Argentina) since the year 2000. This program surveys an extended shoreline, with bays and gulfs with shellfish natural banks and farms. Paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)-toxin-producing species, A. tamarense, have been observed during the study period; in addition, species producing diarrheic shellfish poison (DSP)-toxins, such as Dinophysis acuminata and D. tripos and Prorocentrum lima, and amnesic shellfish poison (ASP)-toxins, as several species of genus Pseudo-nitzschia, have been identified. Moreover, the production of the three types of toxins has been proven. Other harmful but nontoxic species have been registered in the area. The aim of this review is to show the temporal and spatial distribution of harmful microalgae species, the environmental factors associated with their occurrence, and their relation to toxic outbreaks during more than 15 years of observations, with special attention focused on the episodes of human intoxications. In addition, we discussed the accumulation and transfer of some phycotoxins through pelagic food webs, from the first trophic levels to large marine mammals, such as whales.