The geographical distribution of Alexandrium catenella is extending to Italy!

The extension of the geographical range of Alexandrium catenella within the Mediterranean region, from the northwestern area to the Italian coastline, in the Gulf of Olbia, northeastern Sardinia (Tyrrhenian Sea), is reported. This locality is characterized by an important commercial harbour and the largest site of shellfish farming of the island of Sardinia. A recent introduction of A. catenella through ship ballast waters or mussel stocks from other countries is hypothesized and supported by no evidence of this dinoflagellate ...