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Perceived global increase in algal blooms is attributable to intensified monitoring and emerging bloom impacts
Hallegraeff, G.M.; Anderson, D.M.; Belin, C.; Bottein, M.-Y.D.; Bresnan, E.; Chinain, M.; Enevoldsen, H.; Iwataki, M.; Karlson, B.; McKenzie, C.H.; Sunesen, I.; Pitcher, G.C.; Provoost, P.; richardson, A.; Schweibold, L.; Tester, P.A.; Trainer, V.L.; Yñiguez, A.T.; Zingone, A. (2021). Perceived global increase in algal blooms is attributable to intensified monitoring and emerging bloom impacts. Commun. Earth Environ. 2(1): 117. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s43247-021-00178-8
In: Communications Earth & Environment. Springer Nature: London. e-ISSN 2662-4435
Peer reviewed article  
Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open access 362515 [ download pdf ]
Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Authors  Top 
  • Hallegraeff, G.M.
  • Anderson, D.M.
  • Belin, C.
  • Bottein, M.-Y.D.
  • Bresnan, E.
  • Chinain, M.
  • Enevoldsen, H.
  • Iwataki, M.
  • Karlson, B.
  • McKenzie, C.H.
  • Sunesen, I.
  • Pitcher, G.C.
  • Provoost, P.
  • richardson, A.
  • Schweibold, L.
  • Tester, P.A.
  • Trainer, V.L.
  • Yñiguez, A.T.
  • Zingone, A.
Abstract
    Global trends in the occurrence, toxicity and risk posed by harmful algal blooms to natural systems, human health and coastal economies are poorly constrained, but are widely thought to be increasing due to climate change and nutrient pollution. Here, we conduct a statistical analysis on a global dataset extracted from the Harmful Algae Event Database and Ocean Biodiversity Information System for the period 1985–2018 to investigate temporal trends in the frequency and distribution of marine harmful algal blooms. We find no uniform global trend in the number of harmful algal events and their distribution over time, once data were adjusted for regional variations in monitoring effort. Varying and contrasting regional trends were driven by differences in bloom species, type and emergent impacts. Our findings suggest that intensified monitoring efforts associated with increased aquaculture production are responsible for the perceived increase in harmful algae events and that there is no empirical support for broad statements regarding increasing global trends. Instead, trends need to be considered regionally and at the species level.
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