In order to evaluate the risk for marine ecosystem and human health, the diversity and morphology of diatoms of the genus Pseudonitzschia were studied. Weekly sampling was performed at seven georeferenced sites in the National Park Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, SW Gulf of Mexico, during the annual cycle from May 2005 to May 2006. Samples were taken in the 30cm surface layer of the water column with a phytoplankton net of 20μm mesh size. With the use of light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, seven Pseudonitzschia species were identified: nontoxic P. cf. subcurvata (examined only by light microscopy) and P. brasiliana, and potentially toxic, causative agents of amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) due to domoic acid: P. calliantha, P. cuspidata, P. delicatissima, P. pseudodelicatissima and P. pungens. It is concluded that there is a potential risk of ASP in the study area. P. brasiliana and P. calliantha are new records for the SW Gulf of Mexico. Comparisons with studies conducted in the northern Gulf of Mexico indicate that the diversity of Pseudonitzschia in the Gulf of Mexico may be greater than currently documented and that some species (e.g., P. multiseries) may have biogeographic limitations (e.g., temperatures below 27 ºC).
