Evaluation of iron as a triggering factor for red tide blooms

Abstract

Examined the relationship between Fe and blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (formerly Gonyaulax tamarensis var. excavata). Fe did not limit growth of the organism in nearshore coastal waters or over Georges Bank, but the organism may have been Fe-limited in Gulf of Maine basin waters. Although Fe did not appear to trigger outbreaks of A. tamarense in Maine coastal waters, findings are consistent with suggestions that pulsed inputs of Fe may be important for the development of toxic dinoflagellate blooms in regions (eg Florida) where outbreaks are initiated offshore. -from Authors