Harmful Algae Introductions: Vectors of Transfer, Mitigation, and Management

Abstract

Sophisticated molecular tools are now available to identify new introductions and range expansions, or the new blooming of previously unnoticed cryptic species of harmful algae. With the growing awareness of the problem of introduced marine pests in the past 30 years, a number of national and international regulations have been developed to reduce the risk of transfer of nonindigenous organisms. Determining whether a phytoplankton species has invasive characteristics is important for developing policy, management, and research responses to species with harmful impacts. While prediction of the impact of global climate change on marine harmful algal bloom (HAB) is fraught with difficulties, range expansion of warm‐water species at the expense of cold‐water species that are driven poleward is expected. Extensively researched ballast water treatment technologies serve as a guide toward suitable emergency treatment technologies to curb unwanted HAB translocations.