Long-term temperature trend in Kamchatka supports expansion of harmful algae

Abstract

Ocean coastal ecosystems are changing, and global shifts in temperature lead to the expansion and intensification of harmful algae. In conjunction with anthropogenic effects it may result in future exacerbation of harmful algal blooms. Here we use the 2002-2020 years record of surface ocean temperature data retrieved from Sentinel-2 satellite to examine the recent temperature trend in Avacha Bay, Kamchatka Peninsula. Satellite analysis demonstrated a temperature increase trend in ocean surface water during spring and summer months and detected algal bloom in July 2020 preceding a mass death of marine benthic life in September-October 2020. Using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene amplicon nanopore-based sequencing, we analyzed microbial and microalgal communities in the water samples from area of 2020 algal blooms. Our results suggest the presence of potentially toxic and bloom-forming algae from genera related to former HABs (harmful algal blooms) in the Avacha Bay region. A better understanding of the potentially toxic algae phytoplankton composition in the shifting temperature environment and time-series monitoring of HABs is of utmost importance for scientific community. We suggest that satellite analysis in combination with eDNA monitoring by nanopore-based sequencing represents promising option to detect potentially toxic algae and follow bloom development.