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Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria are a ubiquitous worldwide problem because some MCs can cause tumor formation and are hepatotoxic. In the Santa Mar&iacute, a del Oro crater lake, Mexico, plankton scums are recurrent during most of the year and are associated with cyanobacteria of the genera Microcystis spp. and Lyngbya spp. As some of these species are associated with the production of MCs and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), samples from these scums and particulate matter were collected and analyzed for the main bloom species and toxins by a ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Results showed that the main bloom-forming species were Limnoraphis robusta and Microcystis aeruginosa, the presence of at least seven MC congeners and the absence of PSTs in the algae scums. The MCs identified were MC-WR, MC-LR, MC-LA, MC-HilR, MC-LF, MC-YR, and MC-LY. On a dry mass weight basis, MC concentrations were low and ranged between 0.15 and 6.84 &mu, g/kg. Toxin profiles were dominated by MC-WR, MC-LR, and MC-LA, representing 94.5% of the total sample, with each analog contributing 39.8%, 38.1% and 16.5% by relative concentration, respectively. Two of the more hazardous congeners, MC-LR and MC-LA, represented 54.6% of the total MC concentration. MCs in particulate matter along the depth profile were not detected. The MC profile is linked to M. aeruginosa, and it represents the first quantitative MC congener description for this species from a Mexican water ecosystem. Since these mats are recurrent yearly, their effects on humans and wild fauna, and the possible role of anthropogenic activities that favor their presence and proliferation, need to be evaluated.

In this review we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding taxonomy, bloom dynamics, toxicity, autoecology, and trophic interactions, of saxitoxin producing dinoflagellates in this region. The dinoflagellates Gymnodinium catenatum, Pyrodinium bahamense and several species of Alexandrium are saxitoxin producers, and have been responsible of paralytic shellfish poisoning in different regions of Latin America, causing intoxications and important fisheries losses. The species distribution differ; most harmful algal blooms of G. catenatum are from the northern region, however this species has also been reported in central and southern regions. Blooms of P. bahamense are mostly reported in North and Central America, while blooms of Alexandrium species are more common in South America, however this genus is widely spread in Latin America. Species and regional differences are contrasted, with the aim to contribute to future guidelines for an international scientific approach for research and monitoring activities that are needed to increase our understanding of paralytic toxin producing dinoflagellates in this region.

The phytoplankton community of tuna farms in Bahía de La Paz, southern Baja California, Mexico was studied. Samples were taken from tuna farms near San Juan de la Costa, Rancheros del Mar and from a station in El Mogote, away from the influence of these farms. Water samples were collected monthly (June 2006-May 2007) with a van Dorn bottle at different depths in San Juan de la Costa (0, 25 and 50 m), Rancheros del Mar (0, 15 and 30 m) and El Mogote (0 m) to measure temperature, dissolved oxygen, inorganic nutrients, and chlorophyll-a and to determine phytoplankton composition and abundance. The index of simple dominance, Shannon-Weaver diversity, and Pielou evenness were estimated. The water column was stratified from June to September (~27.5°C) and mixed from October to May (~18.5°C). Nutrient concentrations at the three sampling sites did not increase significantly. Nanophytoplankton dominated, followed by microplanktonic diatoms, and the highest diatom abundance occurred during the warm period. The phytoplankton community was more diverse in San Juan de la Costa than in Rancheros del Mar. In the latter, a superficial bloom of the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum (1630×103 cel L-1) occurred in September, and in San Juan de la Costa the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia fraudulenta reached the highest abundance (183.8×103 cel L-1) in July.

The allelopathic effect of the raphidophyte Chattonella marina var. marina on the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum was determined. Both species are harmful algal bloom forming algae, produce toxic metabolites, and can co-exist in the environment. In general, raphidophytes tend to dominate over dinoflagellates, which may indicate an allelopathic effect of the former algae. Strains of C. marina var. marina and G. catenatum isolated from Bahia de La Paz were cultured in bi-algal cultures with and without cell contact. Additionally, cultures of G. catenatum were exposed to cell-free culture filtrates of the raphidophyte to test whether soluble allelopathic molecules are active. During late stationary phase, both species were cultivated in mixed cultures for 72h using the following cell abundance proportions: 20×103cellsL-1: 20×103cellsL-1 (1:1; G. catenatum: C. marina); 10×103cellsL-1: 20×103cellsL-1 (1:2), and 20×103cellsL-1: 10×103cellsL-1 (2:1). Cells of G. catenatum were also exposed to different volumes of cell filtrates of C. marina (10, 20, and 50mL) using the same cell abundance proportions for 24h. Samples were taken daily for cell counts and microscopic observations. Growth inhibition was higher when there was cell contact between both species, however mortality of G. catenatum was also observed without direct cell contact, indicating that toxic metabolites are liberated to the culture medium. Changes in cell morphology of G. catenatum occurred in the presence of cells and filtrates of C. marina, such as loss of flagella and motility, swelling, loss of girdle and sulci, prominent nucleus, rupture of cell membrane, and cell lysis. Induction of temporary cysts was also observed. These results suggest that toxic metabolites are liberated to the medium by C. marina, affecting G. catenatum by inhibiting its growth and causing changes in its life history, providing new insights of interactions between raphidophytes and dinoflagellates that could happen in the natural environment when both species are present.

Historical records of ciguatera in Mexico date back to 1862. This review, including references and epidemiological reports, documents 464 cases during 25 events from 1984 to 2013: 240 (51.72%) in Baja California Sur, 163 (35.12%) in Quintana Roo, 45 (9.69%) in Yucatan, and 16 (3.44%) cases of Mexican tourists intoxicated in Cuba. Carnivorous fish, such as snapper (Lutjanus) and grouper (Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) in the Pacific Ocean, and great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and snapper (Lutjanus) in the Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea), were involved in all cases. In the Mexican Caribbean, a sub-record of ciguatera cases that occurred before 1984 exists. However, the number of intoxications has increased in recent years, and this food poisoning is poorly studied in the region. Current records suggest that ciguatera fish poisoning in humans is the second most prevalent form of seafood poisoning in Mexico, only exceeded by paralytic shellfish poisoning (505 cases, 21 fatalities in the same 34-year period). In this study, the status of ciguatera in Mexico (epidemiological and treatment), and the fish vectors are reviewed. Dinoflagellate species Gambierdiscus, Ostreopsis, and Prorocentrum are related with the reported outbreaks, marine toxins, ecological risk, and the potential toxicological impact.

The paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) profiles of Gymnodinium catenatum Graham have been reported for several strains from the Pacific coast of Mexico cultured under different laboratory conditions, as well as from natural populations. Up to 15 saxitoxin analogues occurred and the quantity of each toxin depended on the growth phase and culture conditions. Previous analysis of toxin profiles of G. catenatum isolated from Mexico have been based on post-column oxidation liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (LC-FLD), a method prone to artefacts and non-specificity, leading to misinterpretation of toxin composition. We describe, for the first time, the complete toxin profile for several G. catenatum strains from diverse locations of the Pacific coast of Mexico. The new results confirmed previous reports on the dominance of the less potent sulfocarbamoyl toxins (C1/2); significant differences, however, in the composition (e.g., absence of saxitoxin, gonyautoxin 2/3 and neosaxitoxin) were revealed in our confirmatory analysis. The LC-MS/MS analyses also indicated at least seven putative benzoyl toxin analogues and provided support for their existence. This new toxin profile shows a high similarity (> 80%) to the profiles reported from several regions around the world, suggesting low genetic variability among global populations.

The chain-forming marine dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum Graham has a remarkable capacity to produce a wide array of neurotoxic alkaloids associated with Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). More than a decade ago, a completely new group of benzoyl saxitoxin analogs produced exclusively by this species was discovered, but the exact structural assignments and diversity among global population has remained elusive and nconfirmed in most cases. In the current study, fifteen among eighteen hypothetical benzoyl analogs were partially purified and identified from cultured isolates of G. catenatum from the Pacific coast of Mexico. Combined serial application of flash chromatography, preparative liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in multiple steps yielded a richness of benzoyl analogs that has not been reported nor confirmed before. Two sub-fractions were analyzed by 1H-NMR; results from one fraction showed a probable AMX pattern for three protons, consistent with the presence of a 3,4-dihydroxylated benzoyl ring. These findings could be interpreted to correct the 2,4-dihydroxylated structure previously proposed for the GCa benzoyl analog series. The revised and enhanced structural information on proposed benzoyl derivatives is necessary to provide further insights into biogeographical diversity of these potentially potent toxins produced by marine dinoflagellates and their role in seafood safety.

From mid-August to mid-September 1998, a dinoflagellate bloom in a shrimp pond near La Paz, Baja California Sur, was studied. Daily samples were taken of phytoplankton, dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, photosynthetic pigments and proteins. The bloom occurred at temperatures of 29.7 to 33.2 °C. High densities of a Scrippsiella-like dinoflagellate (15.9 × 106 cells/L) occurred on the first day of sampling, reaching a peak of 249 × 106 cells/L on Day 13, and declining to 4 to 7 × 106 cells/L by Day 26. Chlorophyll a varied from 8.63 mg/m3 on Day 4 to 141.38 mg/m3 on Day 13. Total nitrogen varied widely (0.2–11.50 μM) while phosphates peaked only once on Day 13 (4.14 μM). Proteins ranged from 523 to 6387 μg/L; the latter value occurred two days after the maximal peak of nitrates and coinciding with the highest level of phosphates. Fertilizers added to the ponds increased nutrient concentration and stimulated phytoplankton growth. In turn, the food supply to cultured shrimp noticeably increased throu...

A strain of Gymnodinium catenatum Graham (GCCV-7), isolated from the Gulf of California, was submitted to conditions with different nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios (5.4, 9.2, 23.5, 44.7, and 74.3) to determine the effect of these ratios on the growth, toxicity, and variations in toxin profile. No differences in toxicity and toxin profile were found among the treatments. Highest cell density occurred at the N:P ratio of 23.5:1, yielding 33% more cells than the 44.5:1 and 74.3:1 treatments, which in turn had 34% and 30% more cells than the 5.4:1 and 9.2:1 treatments. Toxin cell quota and variations in toxin composition were clearly related to growth rates. Toxicity remained relatively invariable because of changes in toxin composition rather than changes in the toxin cell quota during the different growth stages. The data suggest that changes in the N:P ratios do not stimulate production of toxins or changes in toxin profiles, but do affect cell density, and that cellular toxin dynamics is related to the growth stage.

Benzoate type toxins have been described as an important component of Gymnodinium catenatum cells. In this paper we study these toxins in a G. catenatum strain isolated from the Mexican coast. A partition of the toxins was done by solid-phase extraction on a COOH cartridge and detected by HPLC coupled to fluorescence after pre-column periodate oxidation. Two groups of the hydrophobic analogues of saxitoxin were identified: those containing a sulphate group in the benzoate moiety instead of a hydroxyl group like GC1/2 or GC3 and the hydroxy-benzoate analogues, with a sulphate group at the eleventh position of the STX core present or absent (GCs-GTX and GCs-STX analogues, respectively). These toxins are more abundant, in a relative basis, when comparing with a G. catenatum toxin content isolated from Portugal. This is the first report of the presence of these toxins in a Mexican strain.

This review presents a detailed analysis of the state of knowledge of studies done in Mexico related to the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum, a paralytic toxin producer. This species was first reported in the Gulf of California in 1939; since then most studies in Mexico have focused on local blooms and seasonal variations. G. catenatum is most abundant during March and April, usually associated with water temperatures between 18 and 25 ºC and an increase in nutrients. In vitro studies of G. catenatum strains from different bays along the Pacific coast of Mexico show that this species can grow in wide ranges of salinities, temperatures, and N:P ratios. Latitudinal differences are observed in the toxicity and toxin profile, but the presence of dcSTX, dcGTX2-3, C1, and C2 are usual components. A common characteristic of the toxin profile found in shellfish, when G. catenatum is present in the coastal environment, is the detection of dcGTX2-3, dcSTX, C1, and C2. Few bioassay studies have reported effects in mollusks and lethal effects in mice, and shrimp; however no adverse effects have been observed in the copepod Acartia clausi. Interestingly, genetic sequencing of D1-D2 LSU rDNA revealed that it differs only in one base pair, compared with strains from other regions.

(Chl-a) concentrations varied widely (0.34‐3.32 m gL � 1 ) and showed two maxima, during late spring and autumn, associated with the transition between mixed and stratified conditions. Phytoplankton growth rates varied seasonally with the lowest rates during summer (range: 0.01‐ 2.55 day � 1 for Chl-a; 0.00‐3.84 day � 1 for Chl-b; 0.26‐3.29 day � 1 for fucoxanthin; 0.00‐6.27 day � 1 for peridinin; 0.00‐4.35 day � 1 for zeaxanthin). Microzooplankton grazing was an important loss process (range: 0.0‐1.89 day � 1 for Chl-a; 0.00‐3.12 day � 1 for Chl-b; 0.26‐3.29 day � 1 for fucoxanthin; 0.00‐2.03 day � 1 for peridinin; 0.00‐3.51 day � 1 for zeaxanthin). Average grazing rates accounted ,68‐89% of estimated average phytoplankton pigment-specific growth rates. The analysis of pigment signatures indicates that diatoms and dinoflagellates were the dominant groups, and

In vitro experiments were performed with Gymnodinium catenatum Graham strains isolated from three locations in the Gulf of California to determine the variability in toxicity and toxin profiles. Strains were cultivated in GSe at 20° C ± 1° C, 150 μmol photons·m -2 ·s -1 (12:12 light:dark cycle), and harvested during different growth phases. Growth rates were higher than in previous studies, varying between 0.70 and 0.82 day -1 . The highest cell yields were reached at 16 and 19 days, with maximum densities between 1090 and 3393 cells· mL -1 . Bahia de La Paz (BAPAZ) and Bahia de Mazatlan (BAMAZ) were the most toxic (101 pg STXeq-cell 1 ), whereas strains from Bahia Concepcion (BACO) were the least toxic (13 pg STXeq·cell -1 ). A strain isolated from cyst germination was one of the least toxic strains. No significant changes in toxin content with culture age were observed (0.2 and 0.6pmol paralytic shellfish poisoning·cell -1 ). All strains contained neosaxitoxin (NEOSTX), decarbamoyl-saxitoxin (dcSTX), decarbamoyl-gonyautoxin-2,-3, (dcGTX2-3), N-sulfocarbamoylsaxitoxin (Bl), N-sulfo-carbamoylneosaxitoxin (B2), and N-sulfo-carbamoylgonyautoxin-2,-3 (C1-2). Bahia Concepcion strains had the highest content of Cl; BAPAZ and BAMAZ strains had a higher percentage of NEOSTX. Differences in toxin composition with culture age were observed only in BAMAZ and BAPAZ strains. Cultures with a higher percentage of long chains had more NEOSTX, while those with a higher proportion of short chains had a lower content of NEOSTX. Gulf of California strains are characterized by a high proportion of NEOSTX, and seem to have evolved particular physiological responses to their environment that are reflected in the toxin profile, suggesting different populations.

Surface aggregations and beach strandings of a species of krill, Nematoscelis difficilis Hansen, were observed in June 2003 at locations along the shore of Bahia de La Paz in the Gulf of California. For 10 days before the krill die-off, a steady wind blew from the south at speeds between 4 and 5 m/sec. For that period, satellite images showed water temperatures between 18 and 22 °C along this coast, which is low compared with typical seasonal water temperatures of 26 to 28 °C for June. Phytoplankton biomass, determined by pigment concentration and cell counts, was the highest in the area in June. The diatom Chaetoceros debilis represented more than 96% of the phytoplankton community. Nutrients were in relatively higher concentrations. These data suggest that upwelling conditions occurred and the diatom bloom was in its final phase. Based on this limited data set, we present a hypothetical scenario describing the sea-surface aggregations and beach strandings of N. difficilis.

Gymnodinium catenatum Graham is a paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) producer that was described for the first time from the Gulf of California in 1943. During the last decade, its distribution along the Mexican Pacific coastline has increased. In Bahia Concepcion, a coastal lagoon on the western side of the Gulf of California, G. catenatum has been linked to significant PSP concentrations found in mollusks. In this study, we describe the saxitoxin profile of 16 strains of G. catenatum , and catarina scallops ( Argopecten ventricosus ) from Bahia Concepcion. Toxins were analyzed by HPLC with post-column oxidation and fluorescence detection. The average toxicity of the G. catenatum strains was 26.0±6.0 pg and 28.0±18.0 pg STX eq/cell after 17 and 22 days of growth, respectively. Ten toxins were recorded, but only dcSTX, dcGTX2, dcGTX3, C1, and C2 were always present in all strains at both growth stages. Since toxin profiles in scallops were similar to the cultures, biotransformations are not significant in catarina scallop. NeoSTX, GTX2, GTX3, and B2 were present in some G. catenatum strains and their presence varied with the age of the culture. In scallop samples, dcSTX, dcGTX2, and dcGTX3 were the most abundant toxins, and from the C-toxin group, only C2 was found. This unique toxin profile can be used as a biomarker for this population, when compared with strains of G. catenatum from other geographic regions.

The effects of temperature on growth, cell toxicity, toxin content, and profile of paralytic shellfish toxins was determined in eight isolates of Gymnodinium catenatum from several localities along the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The isolates were cultivated in modified f/2 media with Se (10 −8 M), and a reduced concentration of Cu (10 −8 M), under a 12 h:12 h day–night cycle with an irradiance of 150 μE m −2 s −1 . Isolates were progressively adapted for three generations to each of the temperatures (16, 19, 22, 24, 27, 30, and 33 °C). The cultures were grown in 125 mL Erlenmeyer flasks with 60 mL of media and harvested by filtration in late exponential growth. Toxins were analyzed by HPLC with a post-column oxidation and fluorescent detection (FLD). G. catenatum isolates tolerate temperatures between 16 and 33 °C, with maximum growth rates of 0.32 and 0.39 div day −1 at 21 °C and 24 °C, respectively; maximum cell densities of 4700 and 5500 cells mL −1 were obtained at 27 and 21 °C, respectively. No effect of toxicity per cell with temperature was observed, varying between 10.10 and 28.19 pgSXTeq cell −1 . Ten saxitoxin analogues were detected in all isolates, observing changes in the toxin profile with temperature. C1/2 toxins decreased from 80% mol at 16 °C to 20% mol at 33 °C, B1/2 toxins increased from 19% mol at 16 °C to 42% mol at 33 °C, and decarbamoyl toxins were more abundant at 21 °C. These results show that G. catenatum isolates from different regions of the Pacific coast of Mexico have a similar response to temperature and that this parameter can modify growth rate, cell density, and toxin profile of the species, particularly the decarbamoyl and sulfocarbamoyl toxins.

"Environmental conditions are described during a bloom of Cochlodinium polykrikoides that occurred between September 12 th and November 9 th 2012, in Ensenada de La Paz, Gulf of California. At the beginning of the bloom, the number of cells, chlorophyll a , and peridinin was 6.2 x10 2 cells mL -1 , 10.1 mg m -3 , and 3.5 mg m -3 , respectively; 8.6 x 10 3 cells mL -1 , 121.2 mg m -3 and 40.2 mg m -3 in their maximum intensity; and 5 cells mL -1 , 1.02 mg m -3 of chlorophyll a , and 0.03 mg m -3 of peridinin, at the end of the bloom period. Thermal interval fluctuated between 30.3 and 31.3 °C; salinity varied from 35.2 to 36.8; dissolved O 2 ranged from 4.8 to 10.8 mL L -1 ; saturation percentage was > 200. The values of nitrate, phosphate, and the N:P ratio at the initiation of the bloom were 1.8, 0.9 ( μ M) and 2.8, during the maximum intensity they were 8.5, 3.4 ( μ M), and 2.9. At the end of the bloom they were 5.3, 0.6 ( μ M) and 9.0. Prevailing winds were from the NNE (0.4-5.0 m s -1 ), and a precipitation of 68 mm was registered previous to the bloom event. As winds diminished < 1.3 m s -1 on to SSE direction, the blooming got more intense. According to this information, we concluded that the NNE winds and continental runoff caused by rain fertilized Ensenada de La Paz waters, created conditions to support growth and survival of C. polykrikoides . Mortality of marine organisms was not observed during this event."

"Se analizó, por espectroscopía de resonancia magnética nuclear de protón (1H-RMN), el extracto de una cepa de Gymnodinium catenatum Graham, aislada de las costas de Manzanillo, Colima, para determinar la existencia de toxinas tipo benzoato. El extracto fue fraccionado con un gradiente ascendente de metanol de 0 a 100% (v/v) por extracción en fase sólida con cartuchos LC-18 en pasos de 10%. La fracción 2 (10% metanol) exhibió dos señales dobles centradas en 7.91 y 7.53 ppm, correspondientes a un sistema AA’BB’, que confirmó la presencia de un anillo bencénico para sustituido, atribuido al p-hidroxibenzoato en el carbono 17 del esqueleto base de la toxina. Con ello se confirmó la presencia de análogos tipo benzoato en la cepa de Gymnodinium catenatum proveniente de esta zona del Pacífico Mexicano, los cuales han sido poco estudiados, y el hecho de detectarlos en cepas de México es importante por el peligro potencial que representan para la salud pública. Asímismo, se generó la oportunidad de continuar estudiando estos compuestos, tanto para determinar su toxicidad en mamíferos como para, eventualmente, conocer su potencial farmacológico."

Strains of raphidophytes from different regions of the Gulf of California were established for identification and biochemical description. Raphidophyte in our coasts have been traditionally identified based on microscopic observations, a biochemical analyses of strains present in our coast is needed for a more detailed characterization and species confirmation. Strains were identified by morphological observations and sequencing of the 5.8S and COI regions. Cells were cultivated in modified f/2 media at 20°C with a light–dark cycle (12 h:12 h) and 150 μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity. Pigments were identified by HPLC, brevetoxins by LC–MS/MS, fatty acids by gas chromatography, superoxide radicals by spectrophotometry, and lipid peroxidation by the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Strains were identified as Chattonella subsalsa, C. marina, and Fibrocapsa japonica. In all strains, the main pigment was chlorophyll a, followed by fucoxanthin, chlorophyll c1 and c2, violaxanthin, β-carotene, and diadinoxanthin. Strains were tested for PbTx-1, PbTx-2, PbTx-3, PbTx-6, PbTx-9, PbTx-carboxylic acid, brevenal, and brevisin; none were detected. All strains presented superoxide radical production and lipid peroxidation. The main fatty acids were 18:4 (n-3) and 20:5 (n-3). Strains had typical fatty acid composition for raphidophytes and produced brevetoxin-like compounds, had superoxide radical production, and lipid peroxidation. With this contribution, we confirm the presence of C. subsalsa, C. marina and F. japonica in the Gulf of California.

"Esta revisión da a conocer el estado de conocimiento de los estudios de Florecimientos Algales Nocivos (FAN) en el ámbito marino en México, con el objeto de evaluar la manera de optimizar los recursos destinados para el estudio de FAN en nuestro país, identificando líneas no abordadas y proponiendo mejoras en las actividades de monitoreo y de investigación que puedan aumentar nuestro conocimiento sobre la complejidad de FAN en nuestras costas. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de 1940 a 2011 consultando bases de datos, reuniones académicas y libros especializados. El número de investigadores e instituciones involucrados con el estudio de FAN se ha incrementado significativamente en las últimas décadas, lo cual se ve reflejado en el número y calidad de las publicaciones. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los programas y actividades de investigación están basados en muestreos puntuales y programas de investigación a corto plazo, enfocándose a pocas especies de FAN. Actualmente, varias líneas de investigación relacionadas con los FAN se han abordado pobremente o no se han considerado como son los estudios sobre quistes, alelopatía, transportación de especies por aguas de lastre, efecto del cambio climático, utilización de imágenes de satélite, uso de herramientas moleculares, análisis socioeconómicos y estrategias de mitigación, entre otros. Este análisis muestra que ha habido un avance significativo en el estudio de FAN en México, si bien la manera de abordar su estudio ha sido individualizada y dispersa. Se obtendría un mayor avance si se coordinaran los esfuerzos entre los diversos investigadores e instituciones para optimizar los recursos disponibles para el estudio de los FAN."

a Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR-IPN), Avenida Politecnico s/n, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz, B.C.S. 23090, Mexico b Apdo. Postal 592, Col. Centro, La Paz, B.C.S. 23000, Mexico c Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste (CIBNOR), Mar Bermejo 195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, La Paz, B.C.S. 23090, Mexico d Friedrich-Schiller University, Faculty of Biology and Pharmacy, Dornburgerstrase 25, 07743 Jena, Germany

Con el propósito de determinar la variación de la biomasa del fitoplancton (clorofila a) y el estado trófico de Bahía Concepción ubicada en la parte central oeste del Golfo de California, se realizó un estudio hidro-biológico durante el período de 1997 a 1999. Se determinó la temperatura, la concentración del oxígeno disuelto y de nutrientes inorgánicos (nitrato, nitrito, fosfato y silicato), y la biomasa fitoplanctónica (clorofila a). Las condiciones hidrográficas muestran un período de mezcla (octubre-abril), dos de transición (abril-mayo, septiembre-octubre) y uno de estratificación (junio-septiembre). Las temperaturas más cálidas durante el periodo de estudio fueron observadas durante 1998 y las más frías en 1997 para todos los períodos hidrográficos. Los valores de oxígeno disuelto muestran una zona de hipoxia durante el período estratificado ( 2.7±0.78 ml l-1), por abajo de los 20 metros de profundidad. Durante los períodos de transición se observó un incremento de la biomasa fitoplanctónica similar al que se observa como máximos de primavera y verano de algunas lagunas costeras en latitudes similares, sin embargo la mayor biomasa se detectó en el período de estratificación, particularmente por abajo de los 15 m. La escala de nutrientes mostró un estado de eutrofía para fosfato y silicato todo el año. El índice trófico reveló que la oligotrofía para fosfatos, nitratos y nitritos es el estado dominante, con excepción de los períodos de transición, que es cuando la mesotrofía se presentó. Los resultados sugieren que los incrementos fitoplanctónicos en Bahía Concepción se deben al suministro de nutrientes de origen natural y que las condiciones tróficas (mesotrofía o eutrofía), son determinadas por las condiciones hidrográficas del área.

Los cambios en las condiciones físico-químicas y los pigmentos fitoplanctónicos, en Bahía Concepción, Golfo de California, se analizan para el periodo 1997 a 1999 con el objetivo de observar el efecto de El Niño 1997-1998 en esta bahía. Tres diferencias notables en los parámetros medidos ocurrieron durante 1998: Temperaturas mayores en la columna de agua, un retrazo de 2-3 meses en el inicio del período de la estratificación y concentraciones menores de nutrientes (nitratos y fosfatos) y peridinina. Estos datos sugieren la presencia de Agua Ecuatorial Superficial (altas temperaturas y baja concentración de nutrientes) con un efecto negativo en la proliferación de dinoflagelados. Se discuten las posibles causas de la baja en la concentración de los dinoflagelados.doi: sin doi