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Vertical distribution of the chloromonad flagellate Heterosigma carterae in columns: Implications for bloom development

January 1, 1998

Blooms of the marine flagellate Heterosigma carterae have been associated with catastrophic fish kills at mariculture facilities around the world. The precise cause(s) of the sudden appearance and disappearance of Heterosigma surface blooms has not been completely described or understood. Environmental data from prior studies of blooms indicate the presence of vertical stratification of the water column that is often induced by freshwater runoff. We report the relatively rapid concentration of Heterosigma cells at the surface of tubes shortly after the addition of distilled water to the surface. This phenomenon of cell concentration in surface waters may partially explain the sudden appearance of Heterosigma cells near the surface and subsequent disappearance when vertical stratification is lost due to turbulence or mixing. The results may lead to bloom mitigation techniques for net pen aquaculture.

Publication Year 1998
Title Vertical distribution of the chloromonad flagellate Heterosigma carterae in columns: Implications for bloom development
DOI 10.1139/f97-131
Authors P.K. Hershberger, J.E. Rensel, A.L. Matter, F.B. Taub
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Index ID 70162614
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Fisheries Research Center