Harmful algae and pressure-impact relationship: Noxious blooms and toxic microalgae occurrence from coastal waters of the Apulia region (Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Mediterranean)

Abstract

The spatial distribution of harmful microalgal taxa along the coasts of the Apulia region (Mediterranean Sea) based on results of eight years (2012–2019) of routine monitoring program and a series of sporadic observations is presented. A total number of 69 potentially harmful taxa were found during the study period. Occurrence, abundance and richness of harmful taxa (toxic, potentially toxic and high biomass producers) varied along the Apulian coasts. The occurrence of harmful species was significantly higher where most of anthropogenic pressures overlap than only a few or no pressures existed. The physical alteration of coast is the most important pressure determining this pattern. Despite the variety and the abundances of the harmful microalgae, to our knowledge, no human health problems or risks have been ever recorded, nor were full-blown consequences on marine organisms such as fish kills during algal blooms. However, blooms coupled with water discoloration phenomena could become a big issue to tourism and recreational activities that have locally important socio-economic value.