Harmful phytoplankton diversity and dynamics in an upwelling region (Sagres, SW Portugal) revealed by ribosomal RNA microarray combined with microscopy.

The study region in Sagres, SW Portugal, is subject to natural eutrophication of coastal waters by wind-driven upwelling, which stimulates high primary productivity facilitating the recent economic expansion of bivalve aquaculture in the region. However, this economic activity is threatened by harmful algal blooms (HAB) caused by the diatoms Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Dinophysis spp.