Research papersTemporal and spatial characteristics of harmful algal blooms in the Bohai Sea during 1952-2014

- The first time to analyze the changes in HAB events in the Bohai Sea over 63 years.
- We identified four red tide-prone areas within GIS systems.
- Causative species change was found through the data statistical records.
- The threat from HABs was analyzed.
- This study identified some areas where management programs should be emphasized.

Evidence was collected from harmful algal bloom (HAB) outbreaks in the Bohai Sea during 1952-2014. The geographic information system (GIS) was used to analyse the temporal and spatial distributions of these HAB events and, subsequently, to map the distribution of these events. The results reveal the following: (1) four areas had a high frequency of HABs: Bohai Bay, the coastal waters of the cities of Qinhuangdao and Yingkou, and the Yellow River estuary. In these areas, HABs occurred a total of 142 times, 18 of which exceeded 1000 km2 in area. After 2000, the frequency of HAB outbreaks increased significantly. (2) The HAB occurrences exhibited significant seasonality (occurring during June to August). (3) Outbreaks of the dominant HAB plankton species, Noctiluca scientillans, Prorocentrum dentatum, Phaeocystis globosa, and Skeletonema costatum, occurred 57, 11, 9, and 8 times, respectively. (4) Bohai Bay, the coastal waters of Qinhuangdao, and the Yellow River estuary suffered great harm caused by these HABs. This study utilized a visual approach to more fully identify the scope, distribution, and characteristics of HABs in the Bohai Sea over the past 63 years, thus providing useful information to support the monitoring and management program for HABs.