Assessment of dinoflagellate diversity using DNA metabarcoding reveals toxic dinoflagellate species in Australian coastal waters

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) present severe risks to marine ecosystems, wildlife, human health and economies globally. This study investigates the diversity and abundance of the primary HAB group-dinoflagellates-in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, a region notable for its ecological uniqueness and high susceptibility to HABs. By employing DNA metabarcoding targeting the 18S rRNA V8-V9 regions, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of dinoflagellate communities across various substrates and locations, identifying both toxic and non-toxic species. Our findings revealed 66 distinct genera, including known toxin producers such as Alexandrium, Gambierdiscus, Karenia and Prorocentrum, with some toxic species detected in Australian waters for the first time. Additionally, we assessed the abundance of these toxic species and examined the influence of environmental factors on their occurrence. This study emphasises the importance of ongoing monitoring and ecological assessments to manage HAB impacts in vulnerable coastal areas such as Hervey Bay.