Potentially bloom-forming dinoflagellates in Korean coastal area

Abstract

The frequency of harmful algal blooms (HABs) has been increasing dramatically since the 1980’s in Korean coastal waters, caused by the bloom-forming dinoflagellates. Water samples were collected in the southern coastal area, Korea. We isolated and successfully established 78 culture strains of potentially bloom-forming dinoflagellates. Here, we provided a list and descriptions of these potentially bloom-forming dinoflagellates in detail to help a better understanding of the morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic positions. Potentially bloom-forming dinoflagellates recorded during study periods included 6 Alexandrium species, 1 Akashiwo species, 2 Ceratium species, 2 Cochlodinium species, 3 Gonyaulax species, 3 Gymnodinium species, 4 Heterocapsa species, 1 Karlodinium species, 1 Noctiluca species, 4 Prorocentrum species, 1 Protoceratium species and 2 Scrippsiella species. The presence of potentially bloom-forming dinoflagellates in Korean coastal waters deserves more attention and efforts in HAB monitoring and in HAB management in the future. In addition, these live cultures could be also applied in more extensive scientific areas.