Harmful algal blooms in an ancient shellfish farming site: evolution of the management strategies.

HABs, more specifically red tides, have been responsible for massive shellfish kills in the Mar Piccolo (Gulf of Taranto, Ionian Sea) since 1787, but in the last years, the problem is worsening. This paper describes the history of HABs in the Mar Piccolo in relation to the management strategies of the shellfish farming up to the current use of remote sensing techniques. Based on in situ and remote sensing researches, future efforts should concentrate on building models and early-warning tools that will allow authorities to make timely decisions in order to minimize the sanitary and economic damages caused by HABs.