Preliminary Study on Dinoflagellate Resting Cysts in Surface Sediments from Minjiang Estuary

We analyzed 50 sediment samples from the Minjiang Estuary, Fujian Province, and identified 17 species of 7 genera of dinoflagellate cysts. Scrippsiella trochoidea is the most dominant species, and Polykrikos kofoidii/schwartzii, Gonyaulax spinifera, G. scrippsae are also abundant. We also found the cysts of toxic Alexandrium tamarense. The results show that the dinoflagellate cysts are mainly distributed in the sand-silt-clay sediment from the Minjiang Estuary. The toxic algae—Alexandrium tamarenes might threaten marine organisms and human health and life in May—June and October—November every year and should be monitored with greater care.