Harmful algal blooms in the Mar Piccolo: what effect may they have on local mariculture?

The impact of HABs on public health and mariculture is increasing in the last decades in costal sites. An example is represented by the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Mediterranean), which together with the northern Adriatic Sea covered up to 50% of the Italian mussel production in the 2000-2005 period. HABs have been responsible for massive mussel kills since 1938, but in the last years the problem is worsening and recurrent very low levels of oxygen due to phytoplankton blooms are becoming more frequent in summer. The results of a recent research suggest that regular monitoring of HABs in the Mar Piccolo must be implemented. Moreover, it will be important to establish the role of different inorganic and organic nutrient pools prior to or during HABs events. On the basis of these researches, efforts will be done to built models and early-warning tools useful for authorities responsible for the safeguard of public health, environmental protection and economic development of the Mar Piccolo.