Harmful algal bloom events in the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem

Abstract

We provide a review of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) within the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME). As yet all documented HABs within the region have been associated with the production of one or another toxin. The diversity of harmful algae recorded within the region is similar to that found in other eastern boundary upwelling systems, and includes those species responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, amnesic shellfish poisoning and azaspiracid poisoning. Also present off Northwest Africa, but generally absent from the other major upwelling systems, are those species responsible for ciguatera fish poisoning and microcystin-producing cyanobacterial blooms. Their presence is afforded by the subtropical habitat provided by the island archipelagos found within the CCLME. It is intended that this brief review will provide the foundation and stimulus for further studies of the ecology and dynamics of HABs, of their toxins, and of the public health and socioeconomic impacts of HABs within this region.