The southern coast of Oaxaca hosts diverse benthic ecosystems that support communities of toxigenic dinoflagellates, which pose significant risks to public health and marine environments through conditions like ciguatera and diarrheic shellfish poisoning. While macroscopic environmental factors are often studied, the ecology of these microorganisms in this region remains unexplored, particularly regarding how microscale interactions with their associated microbiome influence toxicity and survival. Led by Dr. Lorena M. Durán-Riveroll, this collaborative project seeks to establish a fundamental ecological baseline by focusing specifically on the bacteriology of the dinoflagellate phycosphere. Our specific objective is to isolate and functionally characterize the culturable bacterial community associated with these dinoflagellates. We will evaluate specific bacterial traits, including siderophore production, biofilm formation, and antibiotic sensitivity, to understand their functional role within the microbial consortium. By deciphering these specific bacterial interactions, we aim to provide crucial insights for developing risk assessment strategies to safeguard local fisheries and aquaculture against benthic harmful algal blooms.