This dissertation was written as part of the MSc in Bioeconomy: Biotechnology and
Law at the International Hellenic University.
The first section of this study deals with the appearance of the phenomenon of
eutrophication which constitutes a complex and dynamic process driven by
enrichment of water by nutrients. Eutrophication in combination with climate change
stimulates the appearance of harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have a global
distribution. The present study focus on HABs events in coastal areas of Mediterranean
basins (South-Eastern, South-Western, North Western Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic
and Aegean Sea) highlighting the ones which constitute a more representative
example. The main accountable algal taxa for these HABs events, which either appear
seasonally or in a stochastic manner, are dinoflagellates and diatoms.
The second part includes a case study of Greek coastal areas namely the Gulfs
of Evoikos, Malliakos, Amvrakikos, Kavala, Pagassitikos, Saronikos, and Thermaikos. In
these areas recurrent HABs events have been documented during the past years,
whereas Saronikos along with Thermaikos Gulf represent the most strongly affected
areas. The main driver for these HABs is anthropogenic eutrophication deriving from
increased urbanization and human activities. Thus, anthropogenic activities combined
with climate change facilitates the establishment of many alien species which invade
the Mediterranean Sea, increasing the incidence of HABs and threatening the native
biological diversity. In regard to public health, environment, and human well-being,
HABs have been reported as sources of HAB-related illnesses, damages on ecosystem
and socioeconomy. In conclusion, all these negative impacts of HABs could be
diminished by the implementation of control and management strategies which could
be further enhanced through the improvement of preventive measures and the
exchange of knowledge and good practices between the involved parties.
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