Harmful algal blooms caused by Phaeocystis globosa from 1997 to 2018 in Chinese coastal waters

From 1997 to 2018, Phaeocystis globosa caused harmful algal blooms in Chinese coastal waters almost every year. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of P. globosa blooms and its influencing factors were discussed. The results showed that 80.6% of the P. globosa blooms happened in the South China Sea and 72.5% happened in the period from November to March of the following year. But in the Yellow Sea, P. globosa blooms might be limited by green tides. Among the influencing factors, temperature might be an important one that affected the spatial and temporal distribution of P. globosa blooms. Furthermore, eutrophication provided material basis and El Nino events might also stimulate the occurrence of P. globosa blooms. This study is helpful to reveal causes and mechanisms of P. globosa blooms and reduce the negative impacts of blooms on ecological environment, economic development and the safety of nuclear power plants.

Automated summary

Phaeocystis globosa blooms occurred almost every year in Chinese coastal waters from 1997 to 2018, with a majority of them happening in the South China Sea and during the period from November to March of the following year. Temperature, eutrophication, and El Nino events were identified as important factors influencing the spatial and temporal distribution of the blooms.