Harmful Phytoplankton Species in the Central Colombian CaribbeanOceanic Province

To assess the presence and distribution of harmful microalgae in the Colombian Caribbean oceanic waters, the IOC-UNESCO taxonomic reference list of harmful microalgae was used to verify the species reported in the Colombian Central Caribbean Oceanic Province (CCOP). The analysis revealed that only 14 out of 184 species listed for the CCOP were potentially harmful, of which six were considered potentially toxic. These organisms were identified in the epipelagic zone of the Caribbean Surface Water (CSW), encompassing the upper 10 m. Karenia papilionacea and Prorocentrum concavum were also detected in subtropical subsurface waters (SSW). Among the six potentially toxic species, the most prevalent toxins were okadaic acid and the diarrhetic shellfish toxins. Non-toxic harmful species, such as Prorocentrum dentatum, Tripos fusus, and Cerataulina pelagica, were identified in the epipelagic zone of the SSW. The latter species was also observed in the mesopelagic zone of the SSW, at depths close to 250 m. The CCOP is an important industrial fishing, vital to the country's economy and food security. Therefore, the implementation of a marine toxin monitoring programme is essential to prevent potential risks to public health and tourism.