Dynamics of the genus Ostreopsis (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae) in a Mediterranean fish farm

This study revealed the dynamics of the genus Ostreopsis in the south-western Mediterranean Sea fish farm during the 2016 and 2017 summers. This phytoplankton is known to produce palytoxin-like compounds, listed among the most potent marine toxins known, and can pose a serious concern for humans in the Mediterranean area. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained the significance of temperature, salinity, and dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the proliferation of this toxic dinoflagellate. The peak of the Ostreopsis sp. (6.34 × 10 3 cells L −1 ) was recorded at 28.4 °C, at a salinity of 38.3 PSU, and the dissolved inorganic nitrogen had a value of 0.60 μmol L −1 . Our results highlight the importance of monitoring the proliferation of this harmful dinoflagellate in southern Mediterranean waters.