Benthic fluxes in a tropical Estuary and their role in the ecosystem

In-situ measurements of benthic fluxes of oxygen and nutrients were made in the subtidal region of the Mandovi estuary during premonsoon and monsoon seasons to understand the role of sediment–water exchange processes in the estuarine ecosystem. The Mandovi estuary is a shallow, highly dynamic, macrotidal estuary which experiences marine condition in the premonsoon season and nearly fresh water condition in the monsoon season. The benthic flux of nutrients exhibited strong seasonality, being higher in the premonsoon compared to the monsoon season which explains the higher ecosystem productivity in the dry season in spite of negligible riverine nutrient input. NH₄⁺ was the major form of released N comprising 70–100% of DIN flux. The benthic respiration rate varied from −98.91 to −35.13 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, NH₄⁺ flux from 5.15 to 0.836 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, NO₃⁻ + NO₂⁻ from 0.06 to −1.06 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹, DIP from 0.12 to 0.23 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ and SiO₄⁴⁻ from 5.78 to 0.41 mmol m⁻² d⁻¹ between premonsoon to monsoon period. The estuarine sediment acted as a net source of DIN in the premonsoon season, but changed to a net sink in the monsoon season. Variation in salinity seemed to control NH₄⁺ flux considerably. Macrofaunal activities, especially bioturbation, enhanced the fluxes 2–25 times. The estuarine sediment was observed to be a huge reservoir of NH₄⁺, PO₄³⁻ and SiO₄⁴⁻ and acted as a net sink of combined N because of the high rate of benthic denitrification as it could remove 22% of riverine DIN influx thereby protecting the eco system from eutrophication and consequent degradation. The estuarine sediment was responsible for ∼30–50% of the total community respiration in the estuary. The benthic supply of DIN, PO₄³⁻ and SiO₄⁴⁻ can potentially meet 49%, 25% and 55% of algal N, P and Si demand, respectively, in the estuary. Based on these observations we hypothesize that it is mainly benthic NH₄⁺ efflux that sustains high estuarine productivity in the NO₃⁻ depleted dry season.     

底栖生物生产力现场测试系统(BCSPM)的建立及其初步实验结果

为对生态系统的健康评估及底栖生物资源的开发利用提供技术支撑,在胶州湾筏式养殖水域,建立了底栖生物生产力现场测试系统(BCSPM),并在光照和黑暗条件下测定了沉积物海水界面溶解氧随时间的变化、计算了氧通量、估算了底栖总初级生产力和群落呼吸。在光照较强的中午时刻测定的群落总生产力为20．76mgCm^-2h^-1;养殖水域沉积物中的群落呼吸要高于邻近水域。BCSPM整体运转良好,初步结果为系统的改进和进一步实验提供了依据。     

烟台月亮湾岩岸潮间带底栖海藻群落结构的季节变化

月亮湾岩岸潮间带底栖海藻群落的种类组成存在显著的季节差异 ,春季群落的种类最丰富 (2 7种 ) ,其次为秋季群落 (2 6种 ) ,夏季和冬季较少 (2 2和 2 1种 ) ,4个季节群落的共有种仅为 7种。各季节群落中均以红藻的种类最丰富 ,褐藻次之 ,绿藻最少。在 4个季节群落中生物量的变化如下 :夏季 >秋季 >冬季 >春季。绿藻和褐藻类群主要为暖温性种类 ,而红藻类群比较复杂 ,即有暖温带性的、温带和暖水性种类 ,也有寒温带的冷水性种类。4个季节群落的物种优势度序列存在明显的差异 ,海黍子在春季和冬季为群落的第 1优势种 ,而孔石莼在夏季和秋季为第 1优势种。不同季节群落多样性指数变化如下 :物种丰富度指数 ,春季 >秋季 >冬季 >夏季 ;物种多样性指数 ,秋季 >夏季 >春季>冬季 ;均匀度指数 ,春季 >夏季 >冬季 >秋季     

Benthic Fluxes of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen in a Coastal Lagoon of the Northern Adriatic Sea: an Interpretation of Spatial Variability Based on Sediment Features and Infauna Activity

Abstract. Dark respiration rates, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) fluxes and nitrification rates were measured at two sites in the microtidal Sacca di Goro lagoon in September 2000. DIN fluxes correlated with the biomass of the dominant macrofauna species (the amphipod Corophium spp. at station Giralda and the polychaete Neanthes spp. at station Faro). Respiration (> 6 mmol O₂ m⁻²h⁻¹) and ammonium fluxes (> 80μmol N m⁻²h⁻¹) were higher at station Giralda despite the lower organic matter content (4.5 %) and lower macrofauna biomass (4 g AFDW m⁻²). At both sites ammonium fluxes were significantly correlated with the biomass of the benthic infauna, but Corophium stimulated ammonium NH₄⁺ fluxes 3-fold compared to Neanthes. The amphipod also enhanced nitrification rates (> 300 μmol N m⁻²h⁻¹) due to the high density of its burrows, the higher NH₄⁺ regeneration rates and the enhanced oxygen supply to the bacteria.     

Seasonal occurrence and growth of benthic algae in the Patos Lagoon estuary, Brazil

The seasonal occurrence of 94 benthic algal species, including Cyanophyta, was observed on a monthly basis over one year in the Patos Lagoon estuary (32°S, 52°W), Brazil, and showed three patterns of algal periodicity. An aseasonal group of 46 species was present throughout the year and two groups of 24 species each occurred either during summer and fall or winter and spring. The seasonal growth of 55 green, brown and red algae was correlated with monthly variations of salinity, water temperature, daylength and light radiation energy, which were measured daily in the estuary. Summer/fall peak growth was observed in 15 algae most of which correlated significantly with high salinities alone or in combination with other factors during this period. Growth peak of 11 species in winter/spring was principally a function of low water temperatures alone or together with a reduced light regime.Both periodicity of benthic algae and their seasonal growth, as a more sensitive measure of their floristic affinity, demonstrated the presence of cool temperate and tropical elements in this flora typical for warm temperate biogeographic regions. Correlations between seasonal variation of algal growth and selected environmental parameters aided in the evaluation of causal factors for algal seasonality.     

The Role of a Macroalgal Covering Event on the Microphytobenthos Community in Intertidal Sediment (Marano Lagoon, Northern Adriatic Sea)

Abstract. This study examines the variation in microphytobenthos structure and functioning in an intertidal lagoon during a macroalgal covering event. Multivariate techniques, applied on the recorded data, highlighted a clear seasonal pattern except for the July sample. The sudden macroalgae ( Cladophora sp.) development, which occurred in that month, enabled us to identify the massive covering as a disturbance factor on the benthic ecosystem. This biotic anomaly affected benthic microalgal production and community respiration, shifting the ecosystem from a highly photoautotrophic to an heterotrophic condition as shown by the BTS Index. This trophic index is therefore a useful tool for identifying episodic stress events mainly in intertidal habitats.     

Isotopic and Elemental Variations of Carbon and Nitrogen in a Mangrove Estuary

Variations in elemental and isotopic ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were investigated in the Guayas River Estuary Ecosystem (GREE) that empties into the Gulf of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Detritus in the system was identified on the basis of extremely high carbon:chlorophyll aratios (>1000). This material had mean δ¹³C of −26·4±0·3, δ¹⁵N of +4·8±0·2, and (C:N)_atomicof 14·1±0·9. The isotopic data were comparable to measurements reported for fresh and degrading mangrove leaves, whereas the elemental ratio was comparatively enriched in nitrogen. Isotope measurements of SPM throughout the GREE were more similar to values for riverine material and detritus compared with that for the coastal end-member. Values indicative ofin situproduced algae, sewage and shrimp pond effluent were only found at selected sites. Bacterial bioassays, which were used to document potential sources of dissolved organic matter in the GREE, were isotopically similar to SPM. This correspondence coupled with the relatively low (C:N)_aof SPM could be explained by bacterial immobolization of nitrogen onto detritus. Finally, tidal variations of (C:N)_aand δ¹³C at a brackish mangrove site were similar in magnitude to spatial variations encountered throughout the GREE. Based on these results, the authors caution that care must be taken when samples are taken for food-web studies in these systems.     

Living (Stained) Benthic Foraminifera and their Response to the Seasonal Hydrographic Cycle, Periodic Hypoxia and to Primary Production in Havstens Fjord on the Swedish West Coast

Havstens Fjord on the Swedish west coast is a silled fjord that is characterized by strong stratification and stagnant bottom-water with periodically occurring hypoxic (0–2 ml l⁻¹) or anoxic (≤0 ml l⁻¹) conditions. Renewal of Havstens Fjord's deep-water occurs every year, mostly during winter or spring. The aim of this study was to discover how living benthic Foraminifera respond to hydrographic variations, periodic oxygen deficiency and variations in primary production. A long series of monthly hydrographic measurements combined with sediment sampling were performed from August 1993 to December 1994. Sampling was carried out at four different sites along a depth transect (12, 20, 30 and 40 m). Monthly values of chlorophyll a from the water surface down to 15 m were obtained. With increasing water depth, the foraminiferal fauna changed from a low diverse brackish fauna, through a diverse and abundant fauna, to a low diversity and sparse fauna characterized by species tolerant of oxygen depletion. At the deepest site (40 m) Elphidium magellanicum and Stainforthia fusiformis survived five months of anoxic or near anoxic conditions. At 30 m the periodic hypoxic conditions were severe enough to prevent a rich benthic macrofauna establishing, but there was enough oxygen for an abundant and diverse foraminiferal fauna to thrive. Under oxic conditions, freshly sedimented phytoplankton seem to be an important food source for the Foraminifera.     

龙须岛浪蚀花岗岩潮间带大型底栖藻类群落的季节变化模式

采用样方法对龙须岛浪蚀花岗岩潮间带进行了2年的生态学调查。龙须岛浪蚀花岗岩潮间带大型底栖藻类群落的种类组成存在着明显的季节变化 ,群落中最高和较高的藻类物种数量出现在4～8月 ,而最低值出现在10月份。在所有季节中红藻类群种类最为丰富 ,其次是褐藻 ,绿藻最少。群落中生物量的季节变化序列如下 :8月>10月>6月>12月>4月>2月。群落的生物量和各藻类类群的生物量的季节变化与龙须岛潮间带的海水温度变化相吻合 ,只有红藻类群的生物量在8月份略有下降。群落中大型底栖藻类的区系成分和优势种群存在着显著的季节波动或更替。总体来看 ,龙须岛浪蚀花岗岩潮间带大型底栖藻类群落的区系成分以暖温带成分为主 ,其次为冷水性成分、暖水性成分、温带成分和亚寒带成分。大型底栖藻类群落的物种丰富度指数季节变化序列依次为 :4月>6月>8月>2月>12月>10月 ,物种多样性为 :4月>6月>8月>2月>10月>12月 ,均匀度指数为 :4月>10月>2月>6月>8月>12月。龙须岛浪蚀花岗岩潮间带大型底栖藻类群落的季节变化可划分为3个季相 :“肠浒苔、珊瑚藻、石莼为优势种的冬、春季藻类群丛”、“鼠尾藻、石莼、珊瑚藻为优势种的夏季藻类群丛”和“石莼、叉枝藻、鼠尾藻为优势种的秋季藻类群丛”。潮间带海水的温度的季节变化是导致     

Further records of Craspedacusta sowerbyi lankester in north island lakes (note)

Collections of mature medusae from Lake Rotoiti proved all to be male and provide further evidence that the origin of the species in New Zealand was from a very limited introduction.     

Seasonal Changes in Nitrogen, Free Amino Acids, and C/N Ratio in Mediterranean Seagrasses

Abstract. Seasonal changes in nitrogen, free amino acids, and carbon were investigated in the three Mediterranean seagrasses Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa , and Zostera noltii. Leaves, rhizomes, roots, as well as dead plant material were analysed separately. Highest N-concentrations were obtained in the winter months, regardless of species or plant part. In contrast to the other two species, the N-content in Posidonia was higher in the rhizomes than in the leaves.
In the investigated species, marked differences in the free amino acid (FAA) composition were detected between species: Proline, lacking in Posidonia , was the main component in Cymodocea. In Posidonia , FAA decreased from 320umol g^-1 (dry wt) in leaf sheaths to 1.5 umol g^-1 (dry wt) in the leaf tips. The function of proline as a possible storage and/or stress metabolite is discussed.
High C/N values in dead P. oceanica and C. nodosa rhizomes as well as in P. oceanica wrack seem to be related to considerable resistance to decomposition. Low C/N ratios did not increase in detached C. nodosa and Z. noltii leaves, which began to decompose shortly after detachment from the plants.     

山东田横岛海域长牡蛎性腺发育及生化成分周年变化

为了阐明青岛近海长牡蛎(Crassostrea gigas)性腺发育周期及生化成分周年变化,于2019年4月—2020年3月,对青岛田横岛海区长牡蛎的性腺发育周期、生化成分(糖原、脂肪、蛋白质)的周年变化与环境因子(温度、盐度、叶绿素a)关系进行研究。研究显示,调查区长牡蛎性腺发育周期分为两个阶段:休止期(10—12月)和配子发生期(1—9月)。少部分长牡蛎配子发生于温度较低的1月(5.4℃),随着温度升高配子逐渐发育成熟,在6月温度较高(20℃)和叶绿素a浓度较大(1.67μg·L^-1)情况下,配子进入排放期。在配子发生期间,随着配子的成熟,条件指数和卵径在5月达到最大值,在配子排放后降低。生化成分含量为:在冬末春初浮游植物繁殖期间糖原含量储存在长牡蛎各组织中,随着性腺发育,各组织的糖原含量逐渐下降,为配子发育提供能量,这表明贮藏在各组织的糖原是配子发生期间的主要能源物质;性腺-内脏团的脂肪和蛋白质含量随着卵径增加呈上升趋势,产卵后其含量显著下降,表明脂肪和蛋白质与配子发育密切相关。研究结果表明,田横岛海域长牡蛎配子的发育方式为保守种模式。     

海南万泉河、文昌/文教河河口溶解态铝的分布及季节差异

本文讨论了2006年12月冬季和2007年8月夏季海南省万泉河、文昌/文教河河流及河口溶解态铝的含量、分布及季节差异。结果发现,万泉河冬、夏两季河流及河口溶解态铝的平均含量分别为(156±127)和(157±97)nmol/L,季节差异不明显。文昌/文教河冬、夏两季河流及河口溶解态铝的平均含量分别为(242±156)和(222±66)nmol/L,冬季溶解态铝的平均含量略高于夏季。万泉河溶解态铝在河海混合初期表现为清除行为,而后表现为保守混合行为,而文昌/文教河则表现出明显的非保守混合行为,在中等盐度区域存在明显外源输入,原因可能是八门湾底沉积物再悬浮过程中释放的影响。部分河流上游采样点由于受到人为活动引起的污水排放的影响,溶解态铝含量明显增加。万泉河、文昌/文教河溶解态铝的平均含量明显低于我国其他及世界主要河流。     

Seasonal variations in faunal distribution and activity across the continental slope of the goban spur area (NE Atlantic)

Density, biomass and community structure of macrofauna were estimated together with several sediment characteristics at seven stations ranging from 208 m to 4460 m water depth along the OMEX transect in the Goban Spur area (NE Atlantic) during three seasons (October 1993, May 1994, and August 1995). Median grain size decreased with increasing water depth and showed no differences between the seasons. The percentages of organic carbon and total nitrogen were highest at mid-slope depths (1000 to 1500 m), and were significantly higher in August at the upper part of the slope to a depth of 1500 m. The C:N ratio in the surface layer amounted to 7 to 8 in May, 10 to 12 in August and 14 to 17 in October at all stations (except the deepest at 4460 m, where it was 11 in May and August), indicating arrival of fresh phytodetritus in May, and therefore seasonality in food input to the benthos. Densities of macrofauna decreased exponentially with increasing water depth. Significantly higher densities of macrofauna were found in May at the upper part of the slope to a depth of 1500 m. These differences were mainly due to high numbers of postlarvae of echinoids at the shallowest station and ophiuroids at the deeper stations. Biomass values also decreased with increasing water depth, but biomass was relatively high at the 1000 m station and low at 1500 m, due to relatively high and low mean weights of the individual macrofaunal specimens. No significant differences in biomass were found between the seasons. Respiration was high (15 to 20 mgC·m⁻²·d⁻¹) in May at the upper part of the slope to a depth of 1000 m and low (1–3 mg C·m⁻²·d⁻¹) at the deeper part. At the shallowest stations to a depth of 1000 m respiration was highest in May, at the mid-slope stations (1400–2200 m) it was highest in August, whereas the deepest stations (3600 to 4500 m) did not show any differences in respiration rates. In conclusion; seasonal variation in organic input is reflected in denstiy, community structure and activity of the macrofauna along the continental slope in the NE Atlantic.     

2016年山东省15个海水增养殖区氮磷分布及其结构特征

氮、磷是海洋生物生长所需要的重要营养元素,其变化对海水增养殖区生态系统结构和功能有着重要影响。文章根据2016年3月、5月、8月及10月的监测资料,分析了山东省15个海水增养殖区氮、磷分布特征,结果表明：DIN浓度范围0.007 30～2.20 mg/L,平均值0.192 mg/L,68.0%的站次浓度介于0.05～0.2 mg/L之间,渤海湾、莱州湾养殖区浓度普遍高于黄海养殖区;PO4-P浓度范围0～0.089 5 mg/L,平均0.005 98 mg/L,81.9%的站次浓度介于0.001～0.015 mg/L之间,约2/3水域为磷限制性贫营养状态。表层、底层海水DIN与PO4-P浓度无明显差异;NO3-N、NO2-N、NH4-N占比分别为68.91%、6.82%、27.27%,NO3-N是DIN的主要存在形式;夏季NH4-N形态比例最高,平均占比36.5%;N/P原子质量比范围1.6～2 532.3,主要范围在10～40,渤海养殖区N/P比明显高于黄海养殖区;DIN分布主要受陆源径流输入影响;PO4-P水平分布无明显规律。     

九龙江河口水体叶绿素a含量和初级生产力的时空变化

根据2009年春（5月）、夏（8月）、秋（11月）在九龙江河口水域进行的生态安全示范区综合外业调查资料,研究了九龙江河口水体叶绿素a含量和初级生产力的时空变化．结果表明,九龙江河口水体叶绿素a含量变化范围为0．77～15．89mg／m。,平均含量为3．11mg／m。;初级生产力变化范围为19．05～332．91mr,／（m。·d）,平均值为103．51mg／（m。·d）．叶绿素a含量均值以夏季的为最高（4．01mg／m。）,其季节变化呈夏季〉春季〉秋季;初级生产力均值以春季的为最高[112．16mg／（m。·d）],季节变化呈春季〉夏季〉秋季的趋势．与本研究区上世纪90年代的调查结果比较,本次调查的表层水叶绿素a含量均值（3．11mg／m’）为1990年均值（2．24mg／m。）的1．3—1．6倍,而初级生产力均值[103．5mg／（m。·d）]则比1990年的[151．6mg／（m。·d）]降低了约32％．叶绿素a含量与初级生产力、可溶性硅酸盐含量、水温在这3个季节均显著正相关,与浮游植物密度的分布并不一致,二者的相关性并不显著．在高无机氮和高可溶性硅酸盐含量状态下,水温与活性磷酸盐含量对九龙江河口水体叶绿素a含量和初级生产力的时空变化起调控作用．     

Water Flow, Trophic Depletion, and Benthic Macrofauna Impoverishment in a Submarine Cave from the Western Mediterranean

Abstract. Biotic zonation and severe impoverishment of benthic macrofauna are two of the most conspicuous features of submarine caves. The prevailing explanation assumes trophic depletion caused by reduction of water flow. However, no isolation of water was found in the studied Catalan submarine cave, even in the wall microlayer. Fluorescein diffusion was so fast that it was detectable everywhere in the cave already only a few minutes after the injection. The rate of dissolution of plaster spheres was even greater in the cave than in a nearby tunnel – without benthic macrofauna impoverishment – showing a considerable water flow. The oxygen concentration of water in dialysis bags placed at varying distances from the cave walls showed that no wall microlayer gradients were present.
Biochemical gradients did not indicate any decrease in food supply. Although photosynthetic pigment concentration generally decreased inside the cave, and although the gradients were not linear but formed different patterns throughout the cave, the BOD₅, the POM, the C:N ratio, the [³H]-thymidine incorporation rate, and the ETS activity were higher in the inner part of the cave. There was an accumulation of detritic material and bacteria in the inner parts that constitute a plausible food supply for benthic macrofauna.
If neither water motion nor food supply can be invoked, research into the causes of zonation and disappearence of benthic macrofauna is proposed to be carried out on biotic interactions and behavioural processes.     

对虾高位池精养和生态养殖模式下沉积物中碳、氮元素变化及对底栖细菌的影响

本文采用原位生态学研究方法分析两种较为典型的对虾养殖模式—高位池精养模式和生态养殖模式沉积物中碳、氮元素的变化和其对底栖细菌的影响.结果表明:(1)在两种养殖模式下沉积物中碳元素含量都是呈上升趋势,高位池精养模式中C∶N值呈下降趋势,而生态养殖模式中C∶N值则呈上升趋势.(2)底栖细菌的呼吸量及其生物量变化呈显著正相关.单位生物量的底栖细菌代谢力变化和沉积物中C∶N值有关.在高位池精养模式中,沉积物C∶N值较高(＞16.59),单位生物量底栖细菌代谢力保持恒定;在生态养殖模式中,沉积物C∶N值较低(＜15.58),单位生物量底栖细菌代谢力随C∶N值的上升而增加.     

The recovery of microalgal production and biomass in a South African temporarily open/closed estuary, following mouth breaching

Mouth breaching is a recurrent event in temporarily open/closed estuaries (TOCEs). Such disturbances result in flushing and sediment scouring, reducing the microalgal biomass stock. The depletion of these microalgae may have negative repercussions in the form of depleted stocks of commercial fish, game fish, crustaceans and mollusks. The aim of this investigation was therefore: (1) to monitor the recovery of microalgal biomass and production following a breaching event; and (2) to determine the key environmental parameters influencing primary production during the open and recovery phases. Phytoplankton and benthic microalgal production was measured (¹⁴C-uptake method) successively during the closed, open and recovery phases of the Mdloti TOCE (South Africa). Upon breaching, 94–99% of microalgal biomass was washed out to sea through flushing and sediment scouring. A temporary recovery of phytoplankton and benthic microalgal biomass was observed during the open phase, but this was not sustained because of continual flushing and scouring of the sediment. During the re-closure (recovery phase), microalgal biomass immediately increased, reaching pre-breaching levels 35–40 days following the breaching event. In contrast to biomass, autochthonous pelagic primary production reached a maximum level (341 mg C m⁻² h⁻¹) during the open phase. Pelagic primary production normalized to biomass (P^B) significantly increased during the open phase. This is attributed to a favorable combination of optimum light conditions, high influx of macronutrients and high water temperatures (33 °C). Similarly, benthic primary production normalized to biomass (P^B) peaked during the open phase (35 mg C mg chl-a⁻¹ h⁻¹). Multivariate analysis showed that major variations in primary production were mainly controlled by temperature, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to phosphorus (DIP) molar ratios (water-column and pore-water) and light extinction (K_d), all of which were regulated by the state of the mouth.     

Variability of nutrients and phytoplankton primary production in a shallow macrotidal coastal ecosystem (Arcachon Bay,France)

Seasonal and spatial variations of phytoplankton primary production were studied using a high frequency sampling strategy in the external (ENW) and internal (INW) part of Arcachon Bay, during 2002 and 2003. In order to better assess the availability of nutrients and their relationship with phytoplankton primary production, nutrient variability was studied in relation to environmental conditions and phytoplankton production. During winter, when primary production rates were the lowest, nutrient concentrations were maximal but did not show excessive levels compared to highly urbanised areas. Seasonal and spatial variations of nutrient concentrations (especially DIN-nitrate + nitrite + ammonium- and Si) were largely influenced by Leyre River loads coupled with high tidal exchange with the Atlantic Ocean creating a nutrient gradient between the INW and ENW. By February, diatom growth leads to an early severe nutrient depletion in the entire bay. Examination of nutrient ratios showed that the potential limiting nutrient during spring was P in 2003, and Si in 2002. During summer 2003, N and Si concentrations reached their lowest values, and nutrient ratios revealed a N-deficient environment, more pronounced in the INW. The high Si:N ratios during this period might be explained by (1) important N-uptake by all autotroph communities and (2) benthic-pelagic coupling with high Si regeneration. This study shows that nutrient levels in Arcachon Bay seem to play an important role in the control of phytoplankton primary production rates during the productive period and explain their spatial, seasonal and inter-annual variability. Our estimates of annual integrated phytoplankton primary production (103 g C m⁻² y⁻¹) place this bay within the low to moderate phytoplankton primary production systems.