Mechanisms for recurrent nuisance algal blooms in coastal

1,48

MB

zones: resting cyst formation as life-strategy of dinoflagellates

14

stron

6197

ID

Institut für Meereskunde an der Universität Kiel

1993

rok

ABSTRACT: The increasing occurrence of nuisance blooms and their negative ecological and

economic impact has led to intensified monitoring activities. However, mechanisms of bloom

formation are poorly understood. Among the most frequent producers of nuisance blooms,

dinoflagellate species with a benthic cyst stage in their life cycle are prominent. The role of those

resting cysts in bloom initiation, species dispersal, genetic recombination, survival of environmental

stresses and as vectors of toxicity is discussed. Distribution studies of cysts in recent sediments

of the coastal North Sea are presented together with a comprehensive list of cyst-forming,

planktonic dinoflagellate species. Furthermore the collection, preparation and identification of resting

cysts is described.