In a period of almost twelve years, the distribution of blooming Margalefidinium polykrikoides in Lampung Bay has expanded even almost all small bays in Lampung Bay, especially those on the left side coastline become pockets of beds sleep. Blooming dinoflagellate of M. polykrikoides have been reported to occur in Lampung Bay since mid-October 2012. That problem is still one of the challenges as well as a scourge for fish farmers with floating cages net systems in Lampung Bay until now. They cells blooming occurs in the transition season from dry to rainy, and in rainy seasons interspersed with hot days. The impact of blooming causes the color of sea water to become reddish-brown and has an impact on mass deaths and increased disease attacks on farmed fish, so that farmers experience considerable losses.
Anthropogenic activities, such as municipal waste water discharge, shipping, and aquaculture, has led to the accumulation of nutrients in Lampung Bay become triggers Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB’s) outbreaks, One of the species includes Margalefidinium polykrikoides.
The Main Center for Marine Aquaculture of Lampung as a Technical Implementation Unit Directorate General Aquaculture has the main task one of which is to carry out fish health and environmental monitoring activities in aquaculture areas. That program is carried out regularly and continuously. One of the goals is to provide an early warning system to farmers.
Blooms of M. polykrikoides that were recorded in twelve locations (Pasaran Island, Lempasing, Mutun, Hurun Bay, Tegal Island, Ringgung, Cikuyiyi, Maitam Island,
Northeast of Puhawang Island, Ratai Bay especially in Durian village and Piabung waters, Tarahan, and Legundi. A total of 72 M. polykrikoides outbreaks were recorded in Lampung Bay during October 2012- March 2024
The results of the latest routine monitoring known that M. polykrikoides was observed blooming from November 2023 to March 2024 in floating cages net areas in Durian Village, Piabung and Cikuyiyi waters with an abundance of 104 - 107 cells / liter and has caused fish deaths in large quantities with an estimated loss of IDR 78 million. They cells are slippery where at the time of blooming the cells will cover / coat the gills of the fish causing the fish difficult to take oxygen in the water so that it suffocates.