An examination of the epiphytic nature of Gambierdiscus toxicus, a dinoflagellate involved in ciguatera fish poisoning.

Twenty-four specimen of macroalgae were collected in nearshore waters of the island of Hawaii, identified, and maintained to examine how the epiphytic relationship between Gambierdiscus toxicus (isolate BIG12) varied among the macroalgal species. Gambierdiscus cells were introduced to petri dishes containing 100 g samples of each macroalgal host, which were examined at two, 16, 24, and every 24 to 72 hours thereafter, over a 29-day period. Gambierdiscus proliferated in the presence of some host species (e.

A multivariate assessment of the coral ecosystem health of two embayments on the lee of the island of Hawai'i.

Four coral-dominated coastal sites within two embayments (Kealakekua Bay and Honokōhau Bay) on the lee of the island of Hawai'i were studied to assess evidence of anthropogenic impacts in these relatively pristine locales. Nutrient-loading parameters were analyzed in relation to benthic composition data. Statistically, there were significant positive relationships between nitrate+nitrite, silicate, and ammonium with the abundance of macroalgae, coralline algae, and dead coral, and between delta(15)N and dead coral abundance.