Perkins, Joseph, Zenger, Kyall, Kjeldsen, Shannon, Liu, Yang, and Strugnell, Jan (2025) Assessment of dinoflagellate diversity using DNA metabarcoding reveals toxic dinoflagellate species in Australian coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 210. 117319.

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Abstract

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) present severe risks to marine ecosystems, wildlife, human health and economies globally. This study investigates the diversity and abundance of the primary HAB group—dinoflagellates—in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, a region notable for its ecological uniqueness and high susceptibility to HABs. By employing DNA metabarcoding targeting the 18S rRNA V8-V9 regions, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of dinoflagellate communities across various substrates and locations, identifying both toxic and non-toxic species. Our findings revealed 66 distinct genera, including known toxin producers such as Alexandrium, Gambierdiscus, Karenia and Prorocentrum, with some toxic species detected in Australian waters for the first time. Additionally, we assessed the abundance of these toxic species and examined the influence of environmental factors on their occurrence. This study emphasises the importance of ongoing monitoring and ecological assessments to manage HAB impacts in vulnerable coastal areas such as Hervey Bay.

Item ID:	84434
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1879-3363
Keywords:	eDNA; Harmful algal blooms; Metabarcoding; Phycotoxins; Seafood
Copyright Information:	© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Date Deposited:	13 Jan 2025 01:00
FoR Codes:	30 AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY AND FOOD SCIENCES > 3006 Food sciences > 300605 Food safety, traceability, certification and authenticity @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 33% 19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1901 Adaptation to climate change > 190101 Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem) @ 33% 19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1904 Natural hazards > 190401 Climatological hazards (e.g. extreme temperatures, drought and wildfires) @ 34%
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