First Spatial Distribution Study

The first Spatial Distribution of Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa in the Balearic Islands has been performed in October of 2020 in a 20-days campaing through the four islandès of the Balearic Islands.
One of the aims of CIGUARISK is to assess whether the Balearic Islands are at risk of becoming a new location of ciguatera. In order to do this, it is essential to know not only the amounts and distribution of ciguatera-causing dinoflagellates (i.e. Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa) that are present but also which species, since the toxicity varies very considerably among them. In order to evaluate the abundance of the microalgae, we will consider the different potential habitats of Gambierdiscus/Fukuyoa and be able to use cartographic data of marine communities to estimate the total abundance of microalgae in an area, and estimate the potential risk of ciguatera developing which is the final goal of CIGUARISK.