Toxic effects of Ostreopsis ovata on larvae and juveniles of Paracentrotus lividus

The present research aims at the evaluation of the effects produced by Ostreopsis ovata blooms on the early stages of Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816). This sea urchin species is considered one of the key controllers of the structure and dynamics of Mediterranean algal communities. Further, P. lividus is an edible species and its gonads (roe) are considered a culinary delicacy: in many areas the harvesting of this species has lead to overexploitation.