Abstract
<jats:p>Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) pose a significant threat to many coastal communities worldwide, with their spatial distribution steadily increasing over the years. In the Philippines, Pyrodinium bahamense L. Plate, 1906 has been identified as the culprit behind paralytic shellfish poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor P. bahamense to ensure public safety during blooms. Hence, we investigated the occurrence, abundance, and spatial distribution of P. bahamense in Shark Fin Bay, Palawan, using conventional microscopy techniques. Results revealed the presence of P. bahamense in all six sampling stations, with a mean cell density ranging from 15 to 442 cells L-1. In addition, the measured water physicochemical parameters showed no significant correlation (P > 0.05) with cell density, suggesting that other factors may potentially influence the abundance and distribution of P. bahamense in this area. Thus, we recommend further monitoring efforts to determine the bloom dynamics of the species.</jats:p>