Project title: Harmful Algal Bloom Species in Thin Layers
Acronym: HABIT
Start: 6/1/2005
End: 5/31/2008
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Funding Programmes: SUSTDEV-2004-3.III.4.4 Harmful algal blooms in European marine and brackish waters Specific Targeted Research Project
Budget: 949932 euro
Abstract:
The project HABIT researches the development and dispersion of HAB populations in sub-surface micro-layers. It focuses on a genus of phytoplankton that has a serious impact on the economic development of the European coastal zone and which frequently occurs in sub-surface, thin micro-layers. The overall objectives of HABIT are to resolve fundamental patterns in the occurrences of Dinophysis and quantify the processes that are important in governing their distribution. To this end, the project HABIT will i) investigate the maintenance and persistence of high density thin layers through studying interactions between fine scale physical diffusion and net growth and trophic relationships within them; ii) investigate the precise role of small scale structures on the coastal shelf as incubators for accumulations of Dinophysis; and iii) utilise physical models to examine the formation and persistence of gyres on the shelf, to predict their transport, and as a consequence HAB events at the coast. A high-resolution vertical profiler will be utilised in tandem with a moored profiling system currently in use in the US for studying HAB species occurrences. Thin layers of Dinophysis will be identified. Small-scale physical processes (vertical and horizontal diffusion) will be measured, and related to net growth. Results will allow an overview of the balance between dispersion and accumulation in the layers and the time-scale of their persistence. Retention zones and other small-scale structures on the coastal shelf will be investigated as incubators for thin layers of HABs using quality physical models to model and predict the formation, persistence and movement of these structures. In this way, potential incubator sites will be shown to depend on the hydrodynamic regime of the coastal ocean. The origins of HAB events will be identified and essential information given to managers, as the only mitigation action possible for naturally occurring events lies in their prediction.
Partners:
Institut Franais De Recherche Pour L'exploitation De La Mer'
Instituto Espanol De Oceanografia
Martin Ryan Institute
National University Of Ireland - Galway
The Secretary Of State For Environment Food And Rural Affairs Acting Through The Centre For Environment Fisheries And Aquaculture Science
Contact:
Robin Raine at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Project title: TURECOTOX: Integrated study of the coupling between small scaleTURbulence and the ECOphysiology of TOXic dinoflagellates. Planned duration of activity, from : 1/10/06 to: 30/9/09.

Funding Programmes: Spanish Ministry of Education and Science

Abstract: This is a three-year project focussed on the interaction between the small scale turbulence and the biology of toxicogenic dinoflagellates, approached through ecophysiological experimentation and in situ study of the physical and biological dynamics of HABs in the Ebro Delta and the Rías Baixas. The overall objective is to obtain new insight into the interactions between small scale turbulence and the biology of dinoflagellates to understand the underlying mechanisms involved in their sensitivity to turbulence, and how turbulence can modulate the dynamics of (toxic) dinoflagellate populations in situ, in two scenarios, the Galician Rías Baixas and the Ebro Delta, two important shellfish farming site in Spain. Improved knowledge on this topic will guide a better prediction of the harmful blooms and the management of their effect in aquaculture. TURECOTOX is an integrated ecophysiological study that will combine laboratory experiments and in situ studies with a multidisciplinary approach, joining physics, technology and biology, but focussed on several target species (e.g. Dinophysis spp., Gymnodinium catenatum, Alexandrium minutum, Gyrodinium corsicum) whose bloom dynamics have relevant effects on the socio-economic interests in coastal European waters. TURECOTOX will combine long term field sampling and experimentation in the laboratory to: 1) obtain a yearly record of small scale hydrodynamic properties with a Doppler profiler at particular stations of the Rías Baixas and the Ebro Delta. 2) obtain empirical relationships between small scale turbulence and the population dynamics (abundance, viability, toxicity, division rates, cell cycle phases) of toxic dinoflagellates in the Rías Baixas (Dinophysis spp. and Gymnodinium catenatum) and in the Ebro Delta (Alexandrium minutum, Gyrodinium corsicum). 3) implement new methodologies to estimate turbulence parameters from Doppler profiler and to compare the obtained results with estimates obtained with a microstructure probe. 4) implement new methodologies to estimate the viability, apoptosis and/or cell death in in natural samples and in laboratory cultures exposed to turbulent regime. 5) apply new techniques (microtubule probes, differential genic expression) with the aim  to obtain new insights on the understanding of the species-specific cell mechanisms underlying the interaction between the turbulence and the biology of the dinoflagellates, including toxin production. 6) synthesize results and disseminate the information and technology.

Partners:  Laura Arin Carrau, CSIC, Barcelona, SpainMarta Estrada Miyares, CSIC, Barcelona, SpainSonsoles González-Gil, IEO, Vigo, SpainGisela Llaveria Almacellas, CSIC, Barcelona, SpainRubén Quesada López, UPC, Barcelona, SpainBeatriz Reguera Ramírez, IEO, Vigo, SpainJordi Solé Ollé, CSIC, Barcelona, SpainLourdes Velo Suárez, IEO, Vigo, SpainNote: TURECOTOX is a coordinated project. This means that there are two scientific groups involved, the CSIC-UPC (IP: E. Berdalet) and the IEO (IP: S. González-Gil), coordinated by E. Berdalet. 

Contact: Elisa Berdalet, I Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Marine Biology and Oceanography Department, Institut de Ciències del Mar (CSIC), Pg. Marítim, 37-49, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain E-08003, Tel/Fax: 34 932 309 595/ 34 932 309 555 E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it