VALUTAZIONE DELLO STATO AMBIENTALE PELAGICO ATTRAVERSO LO STUDIO DELLA COMUNITÀ FITOPLANCTONICA

Abstract - The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/CE, MSFD) requires to use phytoplankton as indicator in three descriptors (D1- Biological Diversity; D4 - Food webs; D5 - Eutrophication) but, at present, it is not clear which could be its quantitative contribute. In the present work, molecular, optical and pigment measures are proposed as reliable tools to support monitoring planes in the assessment of the Good Environmental Status. These proposals were made keeping in consideration the limited data availability in the off-shore zones.