Primer reporte de bacterias y dinoflagelados marinos luminiscentes del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Introducción: La bioluminiscencia es la capacidad de ciertos organismos para transformar la energía química en energía lumínica mediante varios procesos bioquímicos. Objetivo: El aislamiento e identificación por primera vez de bacterias luminiscentes en agua marina superficial y la identificación de dinoflagelados luminiscentes marinos del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Metodología: Se colectaron muestras de agua marina obtenida por buceo a 20 m y a nivel superficial de 13 sitios en la Isla del Coco, Costa Rica. Por otra parte, se analizaron muestras de fitoplancton colectadas desde la superficie hasta los 30 m de profundudad en los alrededores de 8 sitios de la Isla del Coco, y se determinaron varias especies luminiscentes pertenecientes a los géneros Ornithocercus y Ceratocorys. Resultados: Se logró obtener 7 aislados bacterianos luminiscentes, se identificaron y caracterizaron bioquímicamente mediante una plataforma automatizada (Vitek) con altos niveles de confianza, se ubicaron taxonómicamente dentro del género Vibrio,2 especies: V. alginolyticus y V. parahaemolyticus, además, algunos aislados presentaron resistencia al antibiótico ampicilina y 100% capacidad hemolítica. Esta investigación muestra evidencia de la presencia de especies microscópicas marinas en Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, capaces de presentar el fenómeno de la luminiscencia, por lo que profundizar en su estudio sería relevante en cuanto a la importancia de estos microorganismos en la producción de metabolitos secundarios y como indicadores de floraciones algales nocivas, por lo que se hace necesario realizar más investigación científica para determinar su potencial biotecnológico. Conclusiones: De la misma forma, los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación sugieren expandir las localidades de colecta y aislamientos de microorganismos luminiscentes, acompañado de una caracterización bioquímica y molecular, con el fin de explorar la diversidad microbiana asociada a eventos de luminiscencia y determinar los ambientes en el que estas especies se desarrollan.

Introduction: Bioluminescence is the ability of certain organisms to transform chemical energy into light energy through various biochemical processes. Objective: Isolation and identification for the first time of luminescent bacteria of superficial marine water, and the identification of marine luminescent dinoflagellates of Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica. Methods: Samples of seawater obtained by diving at 20 m and at a surface level of 13 sites were collected. On the other hand, phytoplankton samples collected from the surface up to 30 m deep were analyzed in the surroundings of 8 sites of Cocos Island, and several luminescent species belonging to the genera Ornithocercus and Ceratocorys were determined. Results: Seven luminescent bacterial isolates were obtained, they were identified and characterized biochemically by means of an automated platform (Vitek) with high levels of confidence, they were taxonomically located within the genus Vibrio, 2 species: V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus, in addition, some isolates presented resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin and 100% hemolytic capacity. This research shows evidence of the presence of marine microscopic species in Cocos Island, Costa Rica, capable of presenting the phenomenon of luminescence, so that further study would be relevant in terms of the importance of these microorganisms in the production of metabolites secondary and as indicators of harmful algal blooms, so it is necessary to conduct more scientific research to determine their biotechnological potential. Conclusions: In the same way, the results obtained in this investigation suggest expanding the collection and isolation of luminescent microorganisms, accompanied by a biochemical and molecular characterization, in order to explore the microbial diversity associated with luminescence events and determine the environments in which that these species develop.

Ácidos grasos en cepas de microalgas del Banco de Germoplasma de Organismos Acuáticos del Instituto del Mar del Perú (IMARPE)

Se determinó la composición de ácidos grasos de 54 cepas microalgales colectadas del Perú y mantenidas en el Banco de Germoplasma de Organismos Acuáticos (IMARPE) con la finalidad de determinar su uso nutricional en la acuicultura. Para ello se realizaron cultivos en un volumen de 50 mL y se determinaron los porcentajes relativos de ácidos grasos mediante transesterificación directa y cromatografía de gases. En el grupo Chlorophyta las microalgas que presentaron los mayores valores de porcentaje relativo de ácidos grasos fueron Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (16:0; 41.2%), Scenedesmus obtusus (18:1n-7; 33.6%), Acutodesmus dimorphus (18:1n-9; 37.1%), Desmodesmus armatus (18:3n-3; 32.2%) y Tetraselmis contracta (16:4n-3; 16.5%). En cambio en el grupo Bacillariophyta, los ácidos grasos más abundantes fueron 16:1n-7 en Chaetoceros didymus (20.2%), 18:4n-3 en Navicula sp. (28.3%) y EPA en Asterionellopsis sp. (31.5%). Por otro lado, en el grupo Dinophyta, todas las cepas superaron el 20% de DHA, en particular, la cepa de Akashiwo sanguinea presentó el mayor porcentaje relativo de este ácido graso (29.9%) y de los ácidos grasos 16:0 (24.8%) y EPA (16%). Se discute el uso de estas cepas según su contenido de ácidos grasos.

In This work, we determinate the fatty acids composition and their nutritional value in 54 microalgal strains, collected from Peru and stored in Banco de Germoplasma de Organismos Acuáticos (IMARPE). The cultures were grown to 50 mL and analyzed by direct transesterification and gas chromatography. In the Chlorophyta group, the microalgaes that present the highest relative percentage of fatty acids were Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (16:0; 41.2%), Scenedesmus obtusus (18:1n-7; 33.6%), Acutodesmus dimorphus (18:1n-9; 37.1%), Desmodesmus armatus (18:3n-3; 32.2%) and Tetraselmis contracta (16:4n-3; 16.5%). Moreover in the Bacillariophyta group, the most abundant fatty acids were 16:1n-7 in Chaetoceros didymus (20.2%), 18:4n-3 in Navicula sp. (28.3%) and EPA in Asterionellopsis sp. (31.5%). By the other hand, in the Dinophyta group, all strains exceed the 20% of DHA, in particular Akashiwo sanguinea, it was strain to have the highest percentage of this fatty acid (29.9%) in addition to 16: 0 (24.8%) and EPA (16%). We discussed uses of these strains is according to their fatty acids content.

Morphometric characterization of Dinophysis acuminata/D. sacculus complex in Guanabara Bay, Brazil / Caracterização morfométrica de dinoflagelados do Complexo Dinophysis acuminata/D. saculus na Baía de Guanabara, Brasil

Abstract: Most studies of Dinophysis acuminata in Brazil are for the southern region, where blooms are recurrent. In 2016, the presence of D. acuminata caused the first-ever production and consumption of species of mollusks commercial embargo from the state of Sao Paulo, Southeast Brazil. Potentially toxic species of Dinophysis have been reported in Guanabara Bay (GB) but only occasionally and in low densities. The present note is the first report of a high-density event (~105 cells L-1) of D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex in GB. D. acuminata/D. sacculus complex species were identified using scanning-electron and inverted-light microscopy. Most of the studied cells possessed a dorsally convex hyposomal plate and had dimensions typical of D. acuminata. However, the observed association with warmer and less saline estuarine waters would indicate that the species could be D. sacculus. Whatever the case, based on the high cell densities observed here, we recommend a continued monitoring for Dinophysis presence in GB.

Resumo: A maioria dos estudos sobre Dinophysis acuminata no Brasil ocorreram na região sul, onde as florações são recorrentes. Em 2016, a presença de D. acuminata causou o primeiro embargo comercial da produção e consumo de espécies de moluscos do estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. Várias espécies de microalgas potencialmente nocivas foram relatadas na Baía de Guanabara (BG), incluindo espécies tóxicas de Dinophysis, mas estas foram reportadas apenas como ocasionais e em baixas densidades. A presente nota é o primeiro relato de um evento de alta densidade (~ 105 células L-1) do complexo D. acuminata/D. saculus na BG. As espécies foram identificadas através de microscopia eletrônica de varredura e de campo claro. A maioria das células estudadas possuía uma placa hipossômica dorsalmente convexa, e tinha dimensões típicas de D. acuminata. No entanto, a associação observada com águas estuarinas mais quentes e menos salinas indicaria que a espécie seria D. saculus. Qualquer que seja o caso, com base nas altas densidades observadas aqui, recomendamos o monitoramento contínuo da presença de Dinophysis na BG.

Bloom of Trichodesmium (Oscillatoriales, Phormidiaceae) and seasonality of potentially harmful phytoplankton in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, Philippines / Proliferación de Trichodesmium (Oscillatoriales: Euphorbiaceae) y estacionalidad de fitoplancton potencialmente dañino en Bahía San Pedro, Leyte, Filipinas

AbstractSince 1983, San Pedro Bay in the Philippines had been reported to be the site of episodic Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum blooms that caused paralytic shellfish poisoning in its nearby coastal communities. This bay is also subjected to numerous storms; the strongest was super typhoon Haiyan in November 8, 2013. For the first time, the seasonal dynamics of potentially toxic and harmful phytoplankton in this bay is elucidated. This is also the first record of a bloom of the cyanobacteria, Trichodesmium erythraeum that reached 70 000 colonies/L in April 2013 in this area. There were other 19 potentially toxic and harmful phytoplankton encountered during the sampling period. These consisted of a haptophyte, Phaeocystis globosa, the diatom Pseudonitzschia and 17 dinoflagellates. Seven of these harmful algae had densities high enough to be traced through time. Normally, diatoms abound during the dry season. But Pseudo-nitzschia increased in abundance during the wet season of 2012 and 2013. The dinoflagellates and Phaeocystis globosa behaved as expected and exhibited a relative increase in cell density during the rainy season of both years too. High nutrient availability during this season must have influenced the behavior of the phytoplankton despite differences in temperature and light intensity among seasons. Other notable but rare harmful species found only in plankton net tows during the study were Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, Alexandrium tamiyavanichii, Cochlodiniumpolykrikoides, and Noctiluca scintillans. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 897-911. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenDesde 1983, la Bahía de San Pedro en Filipinas ha sido reportada como un sitio de proliferación de Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum que causó intoxicación paralítica en sus comunidades costeras cercanas. Esta bahía también está sometida a numerosas tormentas; entre las más fuertes se presentó un súper tifón en Haiyan, el 8 de noviembre 2013. Por primera vez, se explica la dinámica estacional del fitoplancton potencialmente tóxico y dañino en esta bahía. Este es también el primer registro en esta área de una proliferación de cianobacterias (Trichodesmium erythraeum) que alcanzó 70 000 colonias/L en abril 2013. Durante el periodo de muestreo se presentaron otras 19 proliferaciones de fitoplancton potencialmente tóxicas y dañinas. Estos consistían en una haptófita, Phaeocystis globosa, la diatomea Pseudo-nitzschia y 17 dinoflagelados. Siete de estas algas nocivas tenían densidades suficientemente altas como para ser rastreadas a través del tiempo. Normalmente, las diatomeas abundan durante la estación seca. Pero Pseudo-nitzschia aumentó en abundancia durante la temporada de lluvias de 2012 y 2013. Los dinoflagelados y Phaeocystis globosa se comportaron como se esperaba y exhibieron un aumento relativo de la densidad celular durante la temporada de lluvias en los dos años. La alta disponibilidad de nutrientes durante esta temporada debe haber influido en el comportamiento del fitoplancton a pesar de las diferencias en la temperatura y la intensidad de la luz entre estaciones. Otras especies nocivas notables, pero raras que se encontraron sólo en las redes de arrastre de plancton durante el estudio fueron: Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, Alexandriumtamiyavanichii, Cochlodinium polykrikoides y Noctiluca scintillans.

VARIACIÓN ESTACIONAL DEL GÉNERO Prorocentrum (DINOPHYCEAE) EN DOS GRANJAS ATUNERAS EN LA BAHÍA DE LA PAZ, MÉXICO / Seasonal Variation of the Genus Prorocentrum (DINOPHYCEAE) in Two Tuna Farms in Bahía De La Paz, Mexico

El género Prorocentrum Ehrenberg, incluye 81 especies, 21 son consideradas formadoras de florecimientos algales nocivos, de las cuales aproximadamente nueve especies producen toxinas. Considerando lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en determinar la distribución y abundancia de las especies del género Prorocentrum durante un ciclo anual, en dos estaciones de muestreo ubicadas dentro del ámbito de las granjas atuneras y en una estación fuera de la influencia de las granjas en la Bahía de La Paz, Golfo de California. Las muestras de agua se recolectaron mensualmente (junio 2006-mayo 2007) con una botella van Dorn en diferentes niveles de profundidad. En San Juan de La Costa (SC) se recolectaron en superficie 25 y 50 m, en Rancheros del Mar (RM) en superficie, 15, y 30 m, y en El Mogote (M) solo en superficie. A lo largo del ciclo anual, en las granjas atuneras en la Bahía de La Paz, se registraron 12 especies: P. compressum, P. dactylus, P. emarginatum, P. gracile, P. lima, P. micans, P. minimum, P. rhathymum, P. rostratum, P. shikokuense, P. triestinum y P. vaginula, de las cuales, ocho son formadoras de florecimientos algales. El estudio de los florecimientos de Prorocentrum se ha vuelto importante ya que estos han sido relacionados por su impacto nocivo en los ecosistemas.

The genus Prorocentrum Ehrenberg includes 81 marine species, of which 21 are considered causative agents of harmful algal blooms, and approximately 9 species produce toxins. The objectives of this study were to determine distribution and abundance of Prorocentrum species during an annual cycle at two sampling sites within tuna farms near San Juan de La Costa (SC), Rancheros del Mar (RM) and at a station without the influence of these farms located off El Mogote (M), in the Bahia de la Paz, Gulf of California. Samples were taken monthly (June 2006-May 2007) at different depths at SC (0.25 and 50 m), at the RM (0.15 and 30 m) and at El Mogote (0 m) with a van Dorn bottle. The results showed a total of twelve species in the annual cycle: P. compressum, P. dactylus, P. emarginatum, P. gracile, P. lima, P. micans, P. minimum, P. rhathymum, P. rostratum, P. shikokuense, P. triestinum and P. vaginula, of which the first eight form blooms. The study of Prorocentrum blooms became important because they have been linked to widespread harmful ecosystem impacts.

Primer informe del género Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) y otros dinoflagelados bentónicos en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, Pacífico Tropical Oriental / First report of the genus Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) and other benthic dinoflagellates from Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica, Eastern Tropical Pacific

The Eastern Tropical Pacific is a region reported as free of ciguatera poisoning that causes serious gastrointestinal, neural and cardiovascular problems, even death. But with this study we found a high incidence of benthic microalgae involved in ciguatera poisoning in Isla del Coco National Park (PNIC, from its name in Spanish), Costa Rica. Between 2006 and 2011, during expeditions to PNIC, 420 phytoplankton samples with the interest of finding benthic dinoflagellates involved in the ciguatera poisoning were collected and analyzed. Samples were taken with phytoplankton nets, towed vertically and horizontally or carried by diving, between 5 to 30 m depth, over reef areas, and by direct extraction from benthic macroalgae. We found the dinoflagellates Gambierdiscus spp., Coolia tropicalis, Coolia cf. areolota, Prorocentrum concavum, Prorocentrum compressum, Amphidinium carterae and Ostreopsis siamensis. The quantity of dinoflagellates by macroalgae weight was high, mainly for Gambierdiscus. Ostreopsis and Prorocentrum, the most widely distributed genera throughout the collection sites. Gambierdiscus is a ciguatera producing genus. Two different sizes of Gambierdiscus were found, and comparing our samples with other studies, we conclude that they are different to any previously reported. They possibly represent two new species. Coco Island is an oceanic island and because of its protection status, it is an ideal site for studying the evolution of marine phytoplankton. Also, long-term monitoring is important due to the variety of potentially toxic dinoflagellates living in this marine ecosystem. This is the first study to report benthic dinoflagellates implicated in ciguatera poisoning in other areas of the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

El Pacífico Tropical Oriental se ha indicado como una región de los océanos libre de ciguatera, una intoxicación que causa serios trastornos gastrointestinales, neurológicos y cardiovasculares, en casos extremos, la muerte. Pero con el presente estudio hemos encontrado una incidencia alta de microalgas bénticas involucradas en la producción de ciguatera en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (PNIC), Costa Rica. En campañas oceanográficas realizadas entre el 2006 y el 2011 al PNIC se recolectaron 420 muestras de fitoplancton con el interés de encontrar especies de dinoflagelados bentónicos implicados en la producción de ciguatera. Las muestras se tomaron con red de fitoplancton o mediante buceos, entre los 5 y 30 m de profundidad en zonas de arrecife y por extracción directa de macroalgas. Se encontró a los dinoflagelados Gambierdiscus spp., Coolia tropicales, Coolia cf. areolota, Prorocentrum concavum, Prorocentrum compressum, Amphidinium carterae y Ostreopsis siamensis. Se determinó que la cantidad de dinoflagelados por peso de macroalga era elevada, principalmente para el género Gambierdiscus. Los géneros Ostreopsis y Prorocentrum mostraron tener la mayor distribución en los sitios de colecta. Gambierdiscus es un género productor de ciguatera. Se encontraron dos tamaños diferentes de individuos de Gambierdiscus, Comparando los especímenes de Gambierdiscus encontradas con otros estudios, se concluye que son diferentes a las descritas anteriormente, por lo que podría tratarse de especies nuevas, lo que se confirmará con cultivos y análisis moleculares. Al ser la Isla del Coco un sitio oceánico aislado y en estado de conservación, es un sitio ideal para el estudio de la evolución de especies de fitoplancton marino. Además, el monitoreo a largo plazo es muy importante debido a la variedad de dinoflagelados bentónicos potencialmente tóxicos que habitan en este ecosistema marino. Este es el primer estudio donde se da a conocer la incidencia de dinoflagelados bentónicos implicados en ciguatera para el Pacífico Tropical Oriental.

Dinoflagelados (Dinophyta) de los órdenes Prorocentrales y Dinophysiales del Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, México

Dinoflagellates (Dinophyta) of orders Dinophysiales and Prorocentrales of the Veracruz Reef System, Mexico. Dinoflagellates are a major taxonomic group in marine phytoplankton communities in terms of diversity and biomass. Some species are also important because they form blooms and/or produce toxins that may cause diverse problems. The composition of planktonic dinoflagellates of the orders Prorocentrales and Dinophysiales, in the Veracruz Reef System, were obtained during the period of October 2006 to January 2007. For this, samples were taken from the surface at 10 stations with net of 30μm mesh, and were analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. Each species was described and illustrated, measured and their distribution and ecological data is also given. A total of nine species were found and identified, belonging to four genera: Dinophysis was represented by three species; Prorocentrum by three, Phalacroma by two, and only one species of Ornithocercus was detected. From the samples, four potentially toxin-producer species were found: Dinophysis caudata, D. rapa, Phalacroma rotundata and Prorocentrum micans. The number of species found in this study is low, especially considering the higher numbers observed in other areas of the Gulf of Mexico, where some reports have recorded up to 53 species of the order Dinophysiales and 14 for Prorocentrales. Identification keys for orders, genera and species for the study area are provided with this study. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 501-514. Epub 2011 March 01.

Los dinoflagelados son considerados como el grupo más abundante y diverso de microalgas del fitoplancton después de las diatomeas. Esta investigación da a conocer la composición específica de dinoflagelados planctónicos de los ordenes Prorocentrales y Dinophysiales, recolectados mediante arrastres superficiales con red (30μm de luz de malla) en el Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (SAV), de las costas de Veracruz, México, en el período octubre 2006 a enero2007. Para el análisis del material se utilizaron microscopios de luz y electrónico de barrido. Se identificaron 9 especies de cuatro géneros: Dinophysis estuvo representado por 3 especies, al igual que Prorocentrum, dos de Phalacroma y una de Ornithocercus. Se presentan claves para identificación de los órdenes, géneros y especies de dinoflagelados, asimismo se describe e ilustra cada especie, incluyendo datos morfométricos y se menciona la distribución de las mismas. Dinophysis caudata, D. rapa, D. ovum y Phalacroma rotundata se han documentado como especies potencialmente productoras de toxinas. La riqueza de especies en el SAV se considera muy baja, especialmente considerando mayores riquezas en otras zonas del Golfo de México, como el sur del Golfo de México, donde se han listado 53 especies del orden Dinophysiales y 14 especies de Prorocentrales.

Distribution of diatom Pseudo-nitzschia and dinoflagellates of Dinophysis spp along coast off Goa.

As a part of an annual analysis on the phytoplankton distribution and composition, regular monthly sampling carried out during October 2007- September 2008 from salinity gradient zones in the intertidal waters along the coast of Goa. Among the 179 species of phytoplankton observed during this study, as many as 11 of them are recognized, potentially toxic ones. The toxic diatom species, Pseudo-nitzschia pungens was quite preponderant, in particular during the pre-monsoon month of May 2008 off Chapora, a perennially low salinity location. Among the 10 toxic dinoflagellate species detected, the known toxic species, Alexandrium minutum followed by Dinophysis acuminata were found to attain maximum cell numbers in the study area. It is apparent from our results that the toxic species do occur in all salinity zones sampled and during many months of the year in coastal waters off Goa. Though directly governed by the variations in nutrient concentrations, some of these toxic phytoplankton species attain high cell numbers. It is reasonable for us to therefore caution that the toxic species do prevail in these waters.

Dinophysiales (Dinophyceae) no extremo Sul do Brasil (inverno de 2005, verão de 2007) / Dinophysiales (Dinophyceae) in the farthest Southern region of Brazil (Winter 2005, Summer 2007)

The dinoflagellates of the Dinophysiales order are a morphologically diverse and ecologically heterogeneous group that includes autotrophic, mixotrophic and heterotrophic species and others containing endosymbionts or phycotoxin producers. In this research Dinophysis, Ornithocercus, Histioneis and Amphisolenia species have been identified in both coastal and oceanic waters of the Southern region of Brazil next to Santa Marta Grande Cape, SC and Albardão-Chuí, RS. Vertical hauls were performed with plankton nets (20 µm) on board of the R. V. Atlântico Sul at 33 oceanographic stations sampled in August/September 2005 (Winter) and February 2007 (Summer). The plankton was fixed with formaldehyde (4 percent) and analyzed with the help of an inverted microscope. A total of 43 Dinophysiales species were identified, most of them widely distributed in the coastal, continental and oceanic areas such as Dinophysis acuminata, D. exigua, D. ovata and Histioneis hyalina in the Summer of 2007 and D. acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii e D. schroederi in the Winter of 2005. The distribution of some species was restricted to the oceanic region under the influence of the Brazil Current as it was observed for Dinophysis dubia, D. exigua, D. schuetti, Histioneis para, Ornithocercus thumii and O. splendidus in the Winter of 2005 and D. similis, D. rapa, H. megalocopa, H. milneri, O. heteroporus and O. splendidus in the Summer of 2007. Six potentially toxic species were registered, Dinophysis acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii, D. mitra, D. tripos and D. rotundata.

Os dinoflagelados da ordem Dinophysiales representam um grupo morfologicamente diverso e ecologicamente heterogêneo, incluindo espécies autotróficas, mixotróficas e heterotróficas, outras contendo endossimbiontes ou ainda produtoras de ficotoxinas. No presente trabalho, foram identificadas as espécies de Dinophysis, Ornithocercus, Histioneis e Amphisolenia em águas costeira e oceânica na região Sul do Brasil, ao largo do Cabo de Santa Marta Grande, SC e Albardão-Chuí, RS. Arrastos verticais foram realizados com rede de plâncton (20 µm) à bordo do N. O. Atlântico Sul em 33 estações oceanográficas visitadas em agosto/setembro de 2005 (inverno) e fevereiro de 2007 (verão). As amostras de plâncton foram fixadas com formol (4 por cento) e analisadas com o auxílio de microscópio invertido. Ao todo, 43 espécies de Dinophysiales foram identificadas, a maioria com ampla distribuição nas regiões costeira, de plataforma continental e oceânica, como Dinophysis acuminata, D. exigua, D. ovata e Histioneis hyalina no verão de 2007, e D. acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii e D. schroederi no inverno de 2005. Algumas espécies apresentaram distribuição restrita à região oceânica, sob influência da Corrente do Brasil, como Dinophysis dubia, D. exigua, D. schuetti, Histioneis para, Ornithocercus thumii e O. splendidus no inverno de 2005, e D. similis, D. rapa, H. megalocopa, H. milneri, O. heteroporus e O. splendidus no verão de 2007. Seis espécies potencialmente tóxicas foram encontradas, Dinophysis acuminata, D. caudata, D. fortii, D. mitra, D. tripos e D. rotundata.

SURVEY OF BENTHIC DINOFLAGELLATESASSOCIATED TO BEDS OF Thalassia testudinumIN SAN ANDRÉS ISLAND, SEAFLOWER BIOSPHERE RESERVE,CARIBBEAN COLOMBIA. / Evaluación de dinoflagelados bénticos asociados a praderasde Thalassia testudinum en San Andrés Isla,Reserva Internacional Seaflower, Caribe colombiano

In order to determine the occurrence of epiphytic toxic dinoflagellates in the coastal waters of San Andrés Island, Caribbean Colombia, we analyzed the seagrass beds on the northern and eastern sides of the island. We found seven species of toxicogenic dinoflagellates, belonging to the genera Prorocentrum and Ostreopsis. The cell densities were generally low if compared with previous studies in other Caribbean sites, ranging from 0 to 836 cells/dry weight. The species encountered are known to produce toxins causing the Diarrehic Shellfish Poisoning and Ciguatera, poisonings which have been documented in the island.

Con el objetivo de determinar la presencia de dinoflagelados tóxicos epifitos en aguas costeras de la isla de San Andrés, Caribe colombiano, se analizaron las praderas de pastos marinos de los sectores norte y oriente de la isla. Se encontraron siete especies toxinogénicas de dinoflagelados pertenecientes a los géneros Prorocentrum y Ostreopsis. Las densidades celulares fueron bajas comparadas con estudios en otros sitios del Caribe, con rangos entre 0 y 836 cel./peso seco. Las especies encontradas son conocidas por producir toxinas que causan diarrea (PSP) y Ciguatera, intoxicaciones que ya han sido documentadas en la isla.

The phytoplankton of Guanabara Bay, Brazil: I. historical account of its biodiversity / O fitoplâncton da Baía de Guanabara, Brasil: I. histórico da biodiversidade local

This is a historical account of the biodiversity of phytoplankton in Guanabara Bay, Brazil. It is based on 57 publications that refer to sampling carried out between 1913 and 2004. The publications included are those with direct microscopic identification. Although 80 percent of the studies focus on ecological issues that tend to mention only the most abundant species, 24 publications provide comprehensive check-lists at the species level, especially of taxa > 20 μm. The inventory of species includes, to date, 308 taxa among 199 diatoms, 90 dinoflagellates, 9 cyanobacteria, 5 euglenophyceans, 1 chlorophycean, 1 prasinophycean, 1 silicoflagellate, and 2 ebriids. The most conspicuous species were the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella trochoidea and diatoms from the Skeletonema costatum complex. The first was the theme of the very first publication in the area (Faria 1914) that reported on its bloom associated with the mass mortality of fish due to oxygen depletion; it is still often found in high abundances (10(6) cell.L-1) in more protected areas. The second was long considered in the literature as a cosmopolitan and opportunistic species, until the recent discovery of cryptic species within the genus; taxonomic re-evaluation of local populations is, therefore, needed. Besides these two species, only other 25 species stood out in terms of frequency of occurrence and widespread distribution in the Bay, some known to be implicated in harmful blooms elsewhere. The biodiversity of dinoflagellates, especially within the Gymnodiniales, and that of other unidentified flagellates (Haptophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Raphidophyceae) is largely underestimated because of the use of fixatives that distort/destroy diagnostic characters. From the initial inventory of 124 taxa published in 1917 and the subsequent additions in species numbers, one can have a false perception that the phytoplankton biodiversity has increased throughout the years, despite the overall increase in eutrophication observed in Guanabara Bay. The reason for this may be twofold: 1) it is an artifact caused by our progressively improving technical capability to detect and identify species and 2) the possible effects of eutrophication could be better perceived when the community structure is evaluated, that is, when space-time variations in the abundances of the populations (rather than just number of species) are also taken into account.

Este é o histórico dos estudos sobre a biodiversidade do fitoplâncton da Baía da Guanabara, Brasil, com base em 57 publicações relativas a amostras coletadas no período entre 1913 e 2004. Estão aqui incluídas apenas as investigações que identificaram espécies por microscopia. Apesar de 80 por cento dos estudos serem de cunho ecológico, os quais tendem a citar apenas as espécies mais abundantes, 24 publicações incluem listas completas dos táxons identificados em nível específico, especialmente daqueles > 20 μm. Atualmente, o inventário de espécies inclui 308 táxons dentre 199 diatomáceas, 90 dinoflagelados, 9 cianobactérias, 5 euglenofíceas, 1 clorofícea, 1 prasinofícea, 1 silicoflagelado e 2 ebriideos. As duas espécies que mais se destacaram foram o dinoflagelado Scrippsiella trochoidea e diatomáceas do complexo Skeletonema costatum. A primeira foi o tema de publicação pioneira sobre o fitoplâncton da Baía (Faria 1914), que relatou sua floração associada à mortandade de peixes, e continua sendo detectada em altas concentrações (10(6) cell.L-1) em áreas mais protegidas. A segunda foi considerada por muitos anos na literatura como uma espécie cosmopolita e oportunista, até a descoberta recente de espécies crípticas dentro do gênero, indicando que as populações da Baía da Guanabara requerem revisão taxonômica. Além destas duas espécies, apenas 25 apresentaram alta freqüência de ocorrência e ampla distribuição, algumas relatadas como causadoras de florações nocivas em outros locais. A biodiversidade de dinoflagelados, especialmente dentre os Gymnodiniales, assim como a de outros grupos de flagelados ainda não identificados (Haptophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Raphidophyceae), está subestimada devido ao uso de fixadores que destorcem ou destroem caracteres diagnósticos. Se considerarmos o inventário de espécies mais antigo, uma lista de 124 táxons publicada em 1917, e o incremento no número de espécies desde então, é possível ter a falsa impressão de que a biodiversidade do fitoplâncton da Baía de Guanabara aumentou apesar da crescente eutrofização local. Há dois motivos possíveis: 1) trata-se apenas do reflexo do aprimoramento da capacidade técnica de detectar e identificar as espécies e 2) os efeitos potenciais da eutrofização podem ser melhor percebidos através da análise da estrutura da comunidade, ou seja, quando as tendências espaciais e temporais na abundância das populações (e não apenas no número de espécies) são levadas em consideração.

The phytoplankton biodiversity of the coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil / A biodiversidade do fitoplâncton do litoral do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The objective of this study is to compile the inventory of nearly 100 years of research about the phytoplankton species cited for the coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. A state-of-the-art study on the local biodiversity has long been needed to provide a baseline for future comparisons. This type of data is scattered in old scientific journals and in the so-called "grey literature", and are in need of nomenclature updating. Twenty-six publications are considered. The earliest sampling record is from 1913 (?) and the most recent from 2002. This checklist compiled from the literature was complemented with primary data collected between August 2004 and July 2006, recent surveys of the surf-zone of 20 beaches located along the coast and of a mariculture farm at the Cocanha Beach, Caraguatatuba. The complete species list includes 572 taxa: most are diatoms (82 percent), seconded by dinoflagellates (16 percent), with a minor contribution of silicoflagellates, coccolithophorids, ebriideans and cyanobacteria. The most investigated areas were: Ubatuba, São Sebastião, Santos and Cananéia. The recent surveys have a broader spatial coverage. The objectives of the studies have changed over the years from purely taxonomic to process-oriented investigations. Therefore, the longest species lists and most first records for the area were published before the 1980's and later publications, even those in which cell counts were performed, mention only the most abundant/frequent species. Electron microscopy was used for the first time in the present surveys, and new records include 38 diatoms, 42 dinoflagellates, 1 silicoflagellate, 1 ebriidean and 2 cyanobacteria. The use and interpretation of this species list require the perception of some constraints. It is not our role to question the identification made by other researchers. On the other hand, the ability to sample, analyze and identify species has evolved over the years and some considerations...

O objetivo deste estudo é compilar o inventário de quase 100 anos de pesquisa sobre a composição de espécies do fitoplâncton do litoral do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. O retrato atualizado da biodiversidade local é necessário para establecer um dignóstico para comparações futuras. Este tipo de informação encontra-se dispersa em antigas publicações e em material considerado como "literatura cinza" e requer atualização nomenclatural. Vinte e seis publicações foram consideradas neste estudo. O registro mais antigo é de 1913 (?) e o mais recente de 2002. Esta lista de espécies, compilada a partir de dados pretéritos, foi complementada com dados primários coletados entre agosto de 2004 e julho de 2006 nas zonas de arrebentação de 20 praias paulistas e em área de maricultura da praia da Cocanha em Caraguatatuba. A lista de espécies completa inclui 572 táxons: a maioria de diatomáceas (82 por cento), seguidas por dinoflagelados (16 por cento), com uma pequena contribuição de silicoflagelados, cocolitoforídeos, ebriideas e cianobactérias. As áreas mais estudadas foram: Ubatuba, São Sebastião, Santos e Cananéia. O levantamento atual tem uma cobertura espacial mais abrangente. Ao longo dos anos, os objetivos dos estudos pretéritos variaram desde puramente taxonômicos até investigações de aspectos funcionais do ecossistema. Desta forma, os inventários mais longos e a maioria dos primeiros registros foram publicados antes de 1980 e as publicações mais recentes fazem menção apenas a espécies mais abundantes/freqüentes. Microscopia eletrônica foi empregada pela primeira vez no levantamento atual e novos registros incluem 38 diatomáceas, 42 dinoflagelados, 1 silicoflagelado, 1 ebriidea e 2 cianobactérias. O uso e interpretação deste inventário exige cautela. Se por um lado, não é viável questionar a identificação feita por outros pesquisadores, por outro lado, a capacidade de amostrar, analisar e identificar espécies evoluiu ao longo do tempo. Algumas...

Epiphytic dinoflagellates associated with ciguatera in the northwestern coast of Cuba

The spatial and temporal abundance of epiphytic dinoflagellates associated with ciguatera was studied over two annual cycles (March 1999 to March 2000 and March 2001 to March 2002) in the northwestern coast of Cuba. From 14 species of macroalgae (Phaeophyta, Chlorophyta, and Rhodophyta), 1340 samples were obtained identifying seven species as potentially noxious; five of them are new reports for Cuba's phytobenthos: Prorocentrum belizeanum Faust, P. concavum Fukuyo, P. mexicanum Tafall, Coolia monotis Meunier, and Ostreopsis lenticularis Fukuyo. ANOVA/MANOVA analysis showed significant spatial differences: lower cell abundance near the shoreline adjacent to a river inlet and higher cell abundance in the deepest area. Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge 1975 was found mainly on Phaeophyta followed by Chlorophyta and Rhodophyta. Gambierdiscus toxicus was found mainly on Phaeophyta followed by Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta. All the species reported in the study area were mainly on Padina spp. (Phaeophyta). Acanthophora spicifera (Rhodophyta) did not host dinoflagellate species. Environmental conditions in summer (higher temperature, more nutrients, greater water transparency, and low wind intensity) are suitable for macroalgae development, which serves as a substrate for potentially harmful dinoflagellates, and possibly the main vector for spreading ciguatera along the coast of Cuba.

Se estudió la abundancia espacial y temporal de dinoflagelados epífitos asociados a la ciguatera durante dos ciclos anuales (marzo 1999 a marzo 2000, y marzo 2001 a marzo 2002) en la costa del noroeste de Cuba. Recolectamos 14 especies de macroalgas (Phaeophyta, Chlorophyta y Rhodophyta) y obtuvimos 1340 muestras. Identificamos siete especies de dinoflagelados potencialmente nocivas, cinco de ellas nuevos registros para el fitobentos cubano: Prorocentrum belizeanum Faust, P. concavum Fukuyo, P. mexicanum Tafall, Coolia monotis Meunier, y Ostreopsis lenticulares Fukuyo. El análisis de ANOVA/MANOVA mostró diferencias espaciales significativas: la abundancia celular más baja se encontró cerca de la desembocadura del río y la más alta en el área más profunda. Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge, se encontró principalmente sobre las Phaeophyta seguido de las Chlorophyta y Rhodophyta. Gambierdiscus toxicus se encontró principalmente sobre las Phaeophyta seguido de las Rhodophyta y Chlorophyta. Todas las especies halladas en el área del estudio estaban sobre Padina spp. (Phaeophyta). No se encontró ninguna especie de dinoflagelado sobre Acanthophora spicifera (Rhodophyta). Las condiciones ambientales en verano (temperatura, nutrientes, transparencia de agua y la baja velocidad del viento) favorecen el desarrollo de las macroalgas, siendo un substrato adecuado para el desarrollo de dinoflagelados potencialmente nocivos, y posiblemente el vector principal para la extensión de la ciguatera en la costa noroeste cubana.

Marea roja producida por Lingulodinium polyedrum (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) en Bahía Culebra, Golfo de Papagayo, Costa Rica / Red tide bloom produced by Lingulodinium polyedrum (Peridiniales, Dinophyceae) in Bahía Culebra, Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica

This is the first record of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedrum in a red tide bloom in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The sample was collected on April 2000 at Culebra Bay, Gulf of Papagayo, from a patch of aproximatly 2000 m2, which produced a red discoloration of the water and a peculiar strong odor. This species produces spherical hypnocysts that may remain for decades when dark or anoxic conditions are present; L. polyedrum had been associated with the production of paralyzing toxins such as saxitoxins and yessotoxins. A second smaller patch was observed close Panama beach, into the bay, where we found seven puffer fish (Diodontidae) and two lobsters dead in the sand. It is important to develop a monitoring program to identify seasonal behavior of this species and ameliorate its impact on coastal human communities.