Seasonal Variation of the Genus Prorocentrum (DINOPHYCEAE) in Two Tuna Farms in Bahia De La Paz, Mexico

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.