This study explores vertical heterogeneities of in situ division rates (μ) of 3 species of Dinophysis and discusses its implications in modelling the population dynamics of these species. Based on a post-mitotic index approach, estimates of μ from vertical net-haul (integrated) samples (μint) were compared with those from a single depth (oceanographic bottle samples) (μz) at the cell maximum during 2 daily cell cycle studies in the Galician Rías Baixas (NW Spain). Additionally, vertical profiles of μz were obtained during a field survey in Ría de Vigo. A 2-fold difference was observed between estimates of μz from the cell maxima and μint from integrated samples under stratified conditions. Differences were much larger when the minimum estimates of μ values from different depths (μmin) were compared within single vertical profiles. An exponential growth model was applied to simulate the dynamics of a D. acuminata population during a daily cycle in June 1994. Results show that actively dividing cells of a target species may be restricted to narrow layers of the water column. Estimates of μ at different relevant depths during cell cycle studies may be key to determining whether if increased numbers of a target species are due to in situ growth or to the balance of imports and exports

This research was supported by projects HABIT (EU GOCE-CT-2005-003932) and Dinophysis Galicia (CTM2004-0478-CO3-01) and is a contribution to the GEOHAB Programme–Core Research Project on HABs in Stratified Systems. E.G. was supported by a Ramón y Cajal contract from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education

10 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables

Peer reviewed