IntroductionDinophytes are unicellular flagellates and they are commonly called dinoflagellates. This group is characterized by flagellar arrangement, cell morphology, and the presence of a dinokaryon, the uniquely modified nucleus of most dinoflagellates (Hallegraeff et al., 2004). The cell periplast (amphiesma) consisted of flat cisternae that appear empty in some species (naked or athecate dinoflagellates) and in other species include cellulosic plates (armored or thecate dinoflagellates) (Van Den Hoek et al., 1995). These alveolate protists are trophically diverse, and about half of the dinoflagellates are phototrophs; the other half are obligate heterotrophs, free-living, or parasitic (Moestrup and Daugbjerg, 2007). Organellar loss is very common in the evolutionary history of the dinoflagellates. However, loss of function may be more common. The loss of photosynthesis has certainly been more frequent than complete loss of plastids (Saldarriaga et al., 2001). Recently, harmful dinoflagellates have received more attention as they pervade in coastal marine systems that are especially influenced by anthropogenic activities. Severe eutrophication, nutrient imbalance, and transport of the toxic strains by ballast waters have degraded aquatic ecosystem health and have created negative consequences for public health and fisheries (Hallegraeff, 2004). Negative outcomes include six types of fish and shellfish poisoning [amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), azaspiracid shellfish poisoning (AZP), diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP), paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP)], respiratory problems, and drinking water problems (Hackett et al., 2004). In 1942, for example, 114 people living around a coastal lagoon (Lake Hamana) in Japan died after consuming oysters and clams that were later determined to include the toxin venerupin (Grzebyk et al., 1997). This toxin was later attributed to Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) J.Schiller. Worldwide over 300 species can form dense blooms among over 5000 marine phytoplankton taxa, while 80 species can produce toxins (Hallegraeff, 2004). About 75%-80% of toxic phytoplankton taxa are dinoflagellates (Cembella, 2003), and they cause harmful algal blooms (HABs) that may kill fish and other marine fauna.The first HAB record for the Black Sea was reported in 1954, and the organism responsible was Exuviaella cordata Ostenfeld, a synonym of an athecate dinoflagellate P.