PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS OF DIMETHYLSULFONIOPROPIONATE (DMSP) PRODUCTION BY THE TOXIC DINOFLAGELLATE OSTREOPSIS CF. OVATA

An increase in the frequency of extensive blooms of the toxic benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata has been reported in temperate coastal regions including the Mediterranean. Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) can mediate a mutualist interaction between dinoflagellates and their associated bacteria that could have an effect on the development of blooms. In this study the production of DMSP by O. cf. ovata is reported for the first time.