Interannual and Decadal Changes in Harmful Algal Blooms in the Coastal Waters of Fujian, China

Abstract

The temporal and spatial variability of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal waters of Fujian were analyzed at interannual and decadal scales based on recorded HAB events collected from 1956 to 2019. The number and impact area of HABs exhibited little change from 1959 to the 1990s, sharply increased from the 1990s to 2000s, and decreased from the 2000s to 2010s. The highest number and greatest coverage of blooms occurred in the 2000s. The proportion of HABs caused by dinoflagellates increased, while the proportion caused by diatoms decreased from the 2000s to the 2010s. Toxic HAB events caused by Karenia mikimotoi increased in frequency and spatial coverage in the 2010s, especially on the central Fujian coast. Increasing concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and dissolved inorganic phosphorus have been essential for increasing HAB occurrences since the 1980s. The combined effects of eutrophication and climate change have been suggested to be important reasons for long-term changes in HABs. Knowledge of the change patterns in and the mechanisms of HABs gained in this study will extend the current understanding of HABs along the Fujian coast and support future studies on HAB monitoring, early warning, prevention, and management.