Distribution of a Toxic Dinoflagellate, Gambierdiscus toxicus, in French Polynesia

The distribution of Gambierdiscus toxicus, a toxic dinoflagellate responsible for ciguatera intoxication, was extensively investigated in several islands of French Polynesia. This unicellular alga was found to be widely distributed in the above mentioned region. The results obtained here suggest the possibility of a bloom anywhere in the study area that could cause serious problems for the inhabitants when circumstances become favorable for its rapid and mass growth