Phytoplankton assemblages and harmful algal blooms in a semienclosed coastal area

The aim of this work is to assess the phytoplankton dynamics and occurrence of the harmful algal species in one the most important farming sites in Italy, the Mar Piccolo of Taranto. Results evidenced the occurrence of potentially toxic dinoflagellates and diatoms. Blooms due to the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia cf. galaxiae and nano-sized cryptophyceans were detected in spring. The new knowledge will be useful to develop and implement plans for monitoring and management of HABs to foster environmental protection, public health and sustainable musselculture.