First report of occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution of Pyrodinium bahamense L. Plate, 1906 in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan, Philippines
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Published
Jan 22, 2026
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Edgar P. Paalan
Avien Ynna M. Hasan
Noe D. Reyes
Herminie P. Palla
Jhonamie A. Mabuhay-Omar
Abstract
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose a significant threat to many coastal communities worldwide, with their spatial distribution steadily increasing over the years. In the Philippines, Pyrodinium bahamense L. Plate, 1906 has been identified as the culprit behind paralytic shellfish poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor P. bahamense to ensure public safety during blooms. Hence, we investigated the occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution of P. bahamense in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan, using conventional microscopy techniques. Results revealed the presence of P. bahamense in all six sampling stations, with a mean cell density ranging from 15 to 442 cells L-1. In addition, the measured water physicochemical parameters showed no significant correlation (P > 0.05) with cell density, suggesting that other factors may potentially influence the abundance and distribution of P. bahamense in this area. Thus, we recommend further monitoring efforts to determine the bloom dynamics of the species.
How to Cite
Paalan, E. P., Hasan, A. Y. M., Reyes, N. D., Palla, H. P., & Mabuhay-Omar, J. A. (2026). First report of occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution of Pyrodinium bahamense L. Plate, 1906 in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan, Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 18(1), 57–62. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2026.18.1.06
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Keywords
dinoflagellate, harmful algal blooms, paralytic shellfish poisoning, red tide
References
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Gedaria AI, Luckas B, Reinhardt K, Azanza RV. 2007. Growth response and toxin concentration of cultured Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum to varying salinity and temperature conditions. Toxicon. 50(4):518-529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.04.021
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Maclean JL. 1989. Indo-Pacific red tides, 1985-1988. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 20(7):304-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/0025-326X(89)90152-5
Montojo UM, Sakamoto S, Cayme MF, Gatdula NC, Furio EF, Relox JR, Shigeru S, Fukuyo Y, Kodama M. 2006. Remarkable difference in accumulation of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins among bivalve species exposed to Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum bloom in Masinloc Bay, Philippines. Toxicon. 48(1):85-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.04.014
Morquecho L. 2019. Pyrodinium bahamense, one of the most significant harmful dinoflagellates in Mexico. Frontiers in Marine Science. 6:1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00001
Omura T, Iwataki M, Borja VM, Takayama H, Fukuyo Y. 2012. Marine phytoplankton of the western Pacific. Tokyo (JP): Kouseisha Kouseikaku Co., Ltd. 160 p.
Onda DF, Benico G, Sulit AF, Gaite PL, Azanza RV, Lluisma AO. 2013. Morphological and molecular characterization of some HAB-forming dinoflagellates from Philippine waters. Philippine Science Letters. 6(1):97-106. https://scienggj.org/2013/2013n1.11.pdf
Phlips EJ, Badylak S, Bledsoe E, Cichra M. 2006. Factors affecting the distribution of Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense in coastal waters of Florida. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 322:99-115. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps322099
Plate L. 1906. Pyrodinium bahamense n.g., n. sp. die Leucht-Peridinee des "Feuersees" von Nassau, Bahamas. Arch Protistenkd. 7(3):411-429, plate 19.
Ravelo SF, Yap-Dejeto LG, Silaras MLS, Amparado MLL, Ocampo JA, Abria EG, Albina MB. 2022. A snapshot on the distribution of coastal phytoplankton communities in five HAB-affected bays in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Frontiers in Marine Science. 9:730518. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.730518
Relox EF. 2002. Plankton analysis. In: Gonzales CL, Sakamoto S, Furio EF, Ogata T, Kodama M, Fukuyo Y, editors. Practical guide in paralytic shellfish monitoring in the Philippines. Manila (PH): Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Japan International Cooperation Agency. p. 79-87.
Siringan FP, Azanza RV, Macalalad NJH, Zamora PB, Sta. Maria MYY. 2008. Temporal changes in the cyst densities of Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and other dinoflagellates in Manila Bay, Philippines. Harmful Algae. 7(4):523-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2007.11.003
Sombrito EZ, Bulos ADM, Sta Maria EJ, Honrado MCV, Azanza RV, Furio EF. 2004. Application of 210Pb-derived sedimentation rates and dinoflagellate cyst analyses in understanding Pyrodinium bahamense harmful algal blooms in Manila Bay and Malampaya Sound, Philippines. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 76(1-2):177-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.03.025
Tomas CR, editor. 1997. Identifying marine phytoplankton. San Diego (CA): Academic Press. 859 p.
Usup G, Ahmad A, Matsuoka K, Lim PT, Leaw CP. 2012. Biology, ecology and bloom dynamics of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense. Harmful Algae. 14:301-312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2011.10.026
Villanoy CL, Azanza RV, Altemerano A, Casil AL. 2006. Attempts to model the bloom dynamics of Pyrodinium, a tropical toxic dinoflagellate. Harmful Algae. 5(2):156-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2005.07.001
Yap-Dejeto L, Durante CY, Tan IL, Alonzo CO. 2018. Pyrodinium bahamense and other dinoflagellate cysts in surface sediments of Cancabato Bay, Leyte, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 147(2):209-220.
Yñiguez AT, Lim PT, Leaw CP, Jipanin SJ, Iwataki M, Benico G, Azanza RV. 2021. Over 30 years of HABs in the Philippines and Malaysia: what have we learned? Harmful Algae. 102:101776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2020.101776
Arcamo SV, Relox J Jr, Romero MLJ, Cabella LMT, Carolino LC. 2014. Paralytic shellfish monitoring in the Philippines – a management review. In: MacKenzie L, editor. Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Harmful Algae; 2014; Nelson, New Zealand. Nelson (NZ): Cawthron Institute. p. 274-277.
BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). 2021. Shellfish Bulletin No. 15, Series of 2021; 2021 May 12 [accessed 2024 Mar 22]. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Shellfish-Bulletin-Archive-2021.pdf
BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources). 2024. Shellfish Bulletin No. 01, Series of 2024; 2024 Jan 11 [accessed 2024 Mar 22]. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/shellfish-bulletin-no-02-2022
Borja VM, Furio EF, Rodriguez AK. 2000. Horizontal and vertical distribution of Pyrodinium bahamense cysts in sediments of Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines. In: HAB 2000 Conference; 2000; Tasmania, Australia. [cited 2024 Mar 22]. Available from: http://www.utas.edu.au/docs/plantscience/HAB2000/poster_abstracts/docs/Borja_VM.html
Estudillo RA, Gonzales CL. 1984. Red tides and paralytic shellfish poisoning in the Philippines. In: White AW, Anraku M, Hooi KK, editors. Toxic red tides and shellfish toxicity in Southeast Asia: proceedings of a consultative meeting; 1984 Sep 11–14; Singapore. Singapore: Marine Fisheries Research Department, Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center. p. 52-79.
Furio EF, Gonzales CL. 2002. Toxic red tide and paralytic shellfish poisoning profiles in the Philippines. In: Gonzales CL, Sakamoto S, Furio EF, Ogata T, Kodama M, Fukuyo Y, editors. Practical guide in paralytic shellfish monitoring in the Philippines. Manila (PH): Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Japan International Cooperation Agency. p. 3-27.
Gacutan RQ, Tabbu MY, Aujero EJ, Icatlo F. 1985. Paralytic shellfish poisoning due to Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressa in Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Marine Biology. 87(3):223-227. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00397798
Garcellano RC, Japson LS, Wy SI. 2022. Water quality of Puerto Princesa Bay in relation to the presence of informal settlers in its coastal areas. The Palawan Scientist. 14(1):84-99. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2022.14.1.10
Gedaria AI, Luckas B, Reinhardt K, Azanza RV. 2007. Growth response and toxin concentration of cultured Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum to varying salinity and temperature conditions. Toxicon. 50(4):518-529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.04.021
Gobler CJ. 2020. Climate change and harmful algal blooms: insights and perspective. Harmful Algae. 91:101731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2019.101731
Jipanin SJ, Shaleh SM, Lim PT, Leaw CP, Mustapha S. 2019. The monitoring of harmful algae blooms in Sabah, Malaysia. In: J Phys Conf Ser. 1358:012014. Bristol (UK): IOP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1358/1/012014
Lumayno SDP, Benico GA, Yñiguez AT, Alabia ID, Fernandez IQD, Dianala RDB, Azanza RV, Villanoy C. 2021. Residence time models and Pyrodinium blooms in Matarinao and Murcielagos Bays, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 151(S1):79-90. https://doi.org/10.56899/151.S1.06
Lundholm N, Churro C, Fraga S, Hoppenrath M, Iwataki M, Larsen J, Mertens K, Moestrup Ø, Zingone A. 2009 onwards. IOC-UNESCO taxonomic reference list of harmful microalgae. Paris (FR): Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO. [accessed 2024 Mar 22]. https://doi.org/10.14284/362
Maclean JL. 1989. Indo-Pacific red tides, 1985-1988. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 20(7):304-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/0025-326X(89)90152-5
Montojo UM, Sakamoto S, Cayme MF, Gatdula NC, Furio EF, Relox JR, Shigeru S, Fukuyo Y, Kodama M. 2006. Remarkable difference in accumulation of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins among bivalve species exposed to Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum bloom in Masinloc Bay, Philippines. Toxicon. 48(1):85-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2006.04.014
Morquecho L. 2019. Pyrodinium bahamense, one of the most significant harmful dinoflagellates in Mexico. Frontiers in Marine Science. 6:1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00001
Omura T, Iwataki M, Borja VM, Takayama H, Fukuyo Y. 2012. Marine phytoplankton of the western Pacific. Tokyo (JP): Kouseisha Kouseikaku Co., Ltd. 160 p.
Onda DF, Benico G, Sulit AF, Gaite PL, Azanza RV, Lluisma AO. 2013. Morphological and molecular characterization of some HAB-forming dinoflagellates from Philippine waters. Philippine Science Letters. 6(1):97-106. https://scienggj.org/2013/2013n1.11.pdf
Phlips EJ, Badylak S, Bledsoe E, Cichra M. 2006. Factors affecting the distribution of Pyrodinium bahamense var. bahamense in coastal waters of Florida. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 322:99-115. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps322099
Plate L. 1906. Pyrodinium bahamense n.g., n. sp. die Leucht-Peridinee des "Feuersees" von Nassau, Bahamas. Arch Protistenkd. 7(3):411-429, plate 19.
Ravelo SF, Yap-Dejeto LG, Silaras MLS, Amparado MLL, Ocampo JA, Abria EG, Albina MB. 2022. A snapshot on the distribution of coastal phytoplankton communities in five HAB-affected bays in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. Frontiers in Marine Science. 9:730518. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.730518
Relox EF. 2002. Plankton analysis. In: Gonzales CL, Sakamoto S, Furio EF, Ogata T, Kodama M, Fukuyo Y, editors. Practical guide in paralytic shellfish monitoring in the Philippines. Manila (PH): Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Japan International Cooperation Agency. p. 79-87.
Siringan FP, Azanza RV, Macalalad NJH, Zamora PB, Sta. Maria MYY. 2008. Temporal changes in the cyst densities of Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum and other dinoflagellates in Manila Bay, Philippines. Harmful Algae. 7(4):523-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2007.11.003
Sombrito EZ, Bulos ADM, Sta Maria EJ, Honrado MCV, Azanza RV, Furio EF. 2004. Application of 210Pb-derived sedimentation rates and dinoflagellate cyst analyses in understanding Pyrodinium bahamense harmful algal blooms in Manila Bay and Malampaya Sound, Philippines. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 76(1-2):177-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2004.03.025
Tomas CR, editor. 1997. Identifying marine phytoplankton. San Diego (CA): Academic Press. 859 p.
Usup G, Ahmad A, Matsuoka K, Lim PT, Leaw CP. 2012. Biology, ecology and bloom dynamics of the toxic marine dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense. Harmful Algae. 14:301-312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2011.10.026
Villanoy CL, Azanza RV, Altemerano A, Casil AL. 2006. Attempts to model the bloom dynamics of Pyrodinium, a tropical toxic dinoflagellate. Harmful Algae. 5(2):156-183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2005.07.001
Yap-Dejeto L, Durante CY, Tan IL, Alonzo CO. 2018. Pyrodinium bahamense and other dinoflagellate cysts in surface sediments of Cancabato Bay, Leyte, Philippines. Philippine Journal of Science. 147(2):209-220.
Yñiguez AT, Lim PT, Leaw CP, Jipanin SJ, Iwataki M, Benico G, Azanza RV. 2021. Over 30 years of HABs in the Philippines and Malaysia: what have we learned? Harmful Algae. 102:101776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2020.101776
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