Prymnesium parvum invasion success into coastal bays of the Gulf of Mexico: Galveston Bay case study

摘要: The toxic haptophyte Prymnesium parvum regularly forms fish-killing blooms in inland brackish water bodies the south-central USA. Along Texas coast smaller have occurred isolated areas. There appears to be an increasing risk that harmful P. will propagate into open coastal waters with implementation of future plans. These plans include increased interbasin transfers from Brazos River, impacted by blooms, San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin, which ultimately flows Galveston Bay (GB). Persisting source populations elevates this risk. Thus, there is a need for understanding how might perform waters, such as those found GB. Here, two in-field experiments were conducted investigate influence various plankton size-fractions GB on inoculated during fall and winter, periods when are typically initiating developing inland. Stationary- log-growth phase used represent high low toxicity initial conditions. Results revealed could grow cause acute mortality silverside minnows (Menidia beryllina). Depending season growth phase, however, varied different size fractions. During fall, stationary-, but not culture, was negatively affected bacteria-sized particles. bacteria nanoplankton together had negative effect stationary- and, lesser degree, cultures. Intermediate- large-sized grazers combined complex relationships parvum, sometimes stimulating suppressing population growth. Toxicity fish almost all inclusion progressively larger sized fractions resulted trends decreased treatments fall. In both parvum. This study indicates dynamics estuaries bays challenging, naturally occurring components plankton. observations able density produce levels toxins underscores advanced assessment studies, especially light use result invasions greater size.