Dinoflagellates cyst of Spiniferites (Image courtesy of Graham Williams) What are dinoflagellates? Dinoflagellates are microscopic, (usually) unicellular, flagellated, often photosynthetic protists, commonly regarded as "algae" (Division Dinoflagellata). They are characterized by a transverse flagellum that encircles the body (often in a groove known as the cingulum) and a longitudinal flagellum oriented perpendicular to the transverse flagellum. This imparts a distinctive spiral to their s ...

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN WASHINGTON Microscopic single-celled marine algae (called phytoplankton) are our planet's principal energy producers, sustaining life in the ocean and, ultimately, on land. Out of thousands of species worldwide, only a few dozen marine algae can have harmful effects on wildlife and people. These effects are most pronounced during periodic proliferations or "blooms" of harmful species. Five kinds of harmful marine algal blooms are known to occur in Washington's coastal wa ...

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