Abstract
Several microalgae produce toxins that can accumulate in shellfish, pose threat to human health, and cause economical loss. Many of the microalgae form resting stages that can survive in the sediment for decades. Resting stages are often referred to as seed banks for future blooms, but we still lack information on the influence of benthic life stages on phytoplankton dynamics. Export of aquacultural products, mainly shrimps, is an important mean of earning foreign exchange in India. Lately the export of shrimps has declined due to several factors and government agencies are promoting oysters and clams as side crops. Despite a long coastline there are few scientist experienced in algal monitoring. This project encourages phycological research in India. The specific aim of the study is to investigate the significance of the resting stages and how important they are for the onset of harmful algal blooms along the south-west coast of India. We will use both microscopic and molecular techniques to determine the source of phytoplankton blooms. In mesocosms, we will study the influence of resting stage addition to phytoplankton community development. Molecular methods will include primers targeting microsatellite loci in a bloom forming phytoplankton species. We will obtain genetic fingerprints of the benthic and planktonic populations sampled in field. Results will contribute much needed information on the benthic-pelagic coupling and the factors controlling phytoplankton blooms.
Sweden