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[Red tides in México: a review]
R Cortés-Altamirano1, D U Hernández-Becerril, R Luna-Soria
1Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología-UNAM, Mazatlán, MEXICO.
Revista Latinoamericana De Microbiologia
|October 1, 1995
Summary
This review analyzes red tide occurrences on Mexican coasts, identifying key causative dinoflagellates like Gonyaulax polygramma and Ptychodiscus brevis. It highlights new affected areas and associated toxic events, including paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Ecology
Context:
- Red tides, or harmful algal blooms (HABs), are recurrent phenomena impacting marine ecosystems globally.
- Mexico's extensive coastlines are susceptible to various HABs, posing ecological and economic threats.
- Understanding the distribution and causative agents of red tides is crucial for effective management.
Purpose:
- To review and synthesize existing knowledge on red tide occurrences along Mexican coasts.
- To identify the primary causative species of both toxic and non-toxic red tides.
- To document newly identified areas of red tide occurrence and associated impacts.
Summary:
- Dinoflagellates, including Gonyaulax polygramma, Gymnodinium catenatum, Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum, and Ptychodiscus brevis, are the main culprits of toxic red tides in Mexico.
- Non-toxic red tides are caused by species such as Mesodinium rubrum and Oscillatoria erythraea, with the latter common during El Niño events.
- Red tides vary in size and density, with new occurrences reported in Acapulco Bay, Huatulco, Salinacruz, and Puerto Madero, leading to paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and fish mortality.
Impact:
- Identifies specific regions in Mexico experiencing fatal PSP and fish kills attributed to red tides.
- Highlights understudied regions like Yucatan and the Peninsula of California regarding red tide events.
- Provides a foundational review for future research and monitoring of harmful algal blooms in Mexico.