Species behaviour affects recommended exposure times of artificial substrates to sample benthic dinoflagellates

Artificial fibreglass mesh substrates were used to sample benthic dinoflagellates in Tayrona National Natural Park along the Southern Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sampling of Prorocentrum cf. lima required shorter exposure times (< 1 day) compared to those needed for Gambierdiscus spp. (one to six days). The study emphasizes the importance of accounting for species-specific behaviour and habitat conditions when determining exposure times for artificial substrate samplers currently used in monitoring benthic HABs.