MEPS 547:33-46 (2016)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11660

ABSTRACT: The bloom-forming dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense has been extensively studied due its toxin-producing capabilities and consequent impacts on human health and economies. This study investigated the prevalence of resting cysts of A. fundyense in western Greenland and Iceland, to assess the historical presence and magnitude of bloom populations in the region, and to characterize environmental conditions during summer, when bloom development may occur. Analysis of sediments collected from these locations showed that A. fundyense cysts were present at low to moderate densities in most areas surveyed, with highest densities observed in western Iceland. Additionally, laboratory experiments were conducted on clonal cultures established from isolated cysts or vegetative cells from Greenland, Iceland, and the Chukchi Sea (near Alaska) to examine the effects of photoperiod interval and irradiance levels on growth. Growth rates in response to the experimental treatments varied among isolates, but were generally highest under conditions that included both the shortest photoperiod interval (16 h light:8 h dark) and higher irradiance levels (~146 to 366 µmol photons m^-2 s^-1), followed by growth under an extended photoperiod interval and low irradiance level (~37 µmol photons m^-2 s^-1). Based on field and laboratory data, we hypothesize that blooms in Greenland are primarily derived from advected A. fundyense populations, as low bottom temperatures and limited light availability would likely preclude in situ bloom development. In contrast, the bays and fjords in Iceland may provide more favorable habitat for germling cell survival and growth and therefore may support indigenous, self-seeding blooms.

KEY WORDS: Arctic · Alexandrium · Dinoflagellate · Cysts · Harmful algal bloom