A chlorophyll time series for Narragansett Bay: Assessment of the potential effect of tidal phase on measurement

An 18-yr chlorophyll time series for Narragansett Bay based on weekly samples collected without regard to tidal phase revealed a long-term decrease in mean annual levels. The potential influence of neglecting tidal phase in the sampling strategy on measured chlorophyll and its apparent long-term decrease is evaluated. A two year data set (1995–1996) is used as a proxy for the 1973–1990 time series together with an observed relationship between continuous measurements of in situ chlorophyll fluorescence and accompanying tidal phase. The deviations in chlorophyll from long-term means relative to deviations from mean low water at the time of sample collection are also analyzed, as is the potential influence of tidally-induced advective increases or dilution on measured chlorophyll levels. The analyses, which compare the magnitude and trends in tidally adjusted and directly measured chlorophyll, indicate that semi-diurnal intratidal variations in chlorophyll had little apparent effect on the long-term and seasonal patterns and trends deduced from the chlorophyll measurements. Neither tidal advection of the chlorophyll gradient, nor bloom magnitude appear to compromise application of the model. The 18-yr decline in annual mean chlorophyll observed between 1973–1990 in narragansett Bay is considered to be a bonafide portrayal of actual events, and not an artifact of failure to consider tidal phase in the weekly sampling strategy. The results also suggest that intratidal variability in chlorophyll does not seriously confound its meaningful measurement and usefulness as a representative index of phytoplankton abundance at the permanent monitoring station established for Narragansett Bay. Nonetheless, there is need to refine and to incorporate temporal sampling strategies more closely attuned to the tempo of growth, grazing, and nutrient recycling which accompany estuarine phytoplankton dynamics.     

Normal and accelerated sinking of phytoplankton in the sea

The sinking and deposition of phytoplankton remains lead to sediment varving, the formation of sedimentary oozes, and the transport of partially decomposed and viable, autotrophic cells to great depths. Some specific examples are discussed, and the associated settling rates, depositional characteristics and individual species responses are examined in relationship to experimentally determined sinking rates of both living and dead, intact phytoplankton. The data include field and experimental observations on the sinking behavior for the same species. The in vitro rates are too low, and a mechanism or mechanisms causing accelerated rates of phytoplankton sinking in situ seems necessary to account adequately for some of the observed transport of phytoplankton remains to great depths and to the sea floor.     

Suspension Properties of Various Phyletic Groups of Phytoplankton and Tintinnids in an Oligotrophic, Subtropical System

Abstract. The sinking rate (ψ) characteristics of a natural community of phytoplankton in the size range from 5 to 102 μn were determined. The following trends in ψ were observed: coc-colithophorids > dinoflagellates > diatoms; large cells > small cells; attenuate shapes < other geometries; community i|) rate based on cell numbers > chlorophyll-based rate; arenaceous tintinnids > organic-loricate tintinnids. Dtnoflagellate swimming rates appear to be considerably greater than their sinking rates.     

Adaptive Ecology, Growth Strategies and the Global Bloom Expansion of Dinoflagellates

Dinoflagellates exhibit unique differences from diatoms in their adaptive ecologies that may be favoring their increasingly successful exploitation of coastal waters and global bloom expansion. Dinoflagellates behave as annual species, bloom soloists, are ecophysiologically diverse and habitat specialists, whereas diatoms behave as perennial species, guild members and are habitat cosmopolites. Diatoms have a relatively uniform bloom strategy based on species-rich pools and exhibit limited habitat specialization. Dinoflagellates have multiple life-form strategies consistent with their diverse habitat specializations, but rely on impoverished bloom species pools. Niche structure and dinoflagellate competition for niche space are considered. The “open niche period” formulated originally for Narragansett Bay is extrapolated as a general bloom paradigm. It is suggested that successful niche occupancy leading to blooms involves adaptive strategies at three heirarchic taxonomic elements: phylogenetic, generic and species-specific, and in that sequence. Transoceanic expatriation of emigrant species leading to indigenous status and blooms requires completion of a three-stage colonization process. Anthropogenic seedings are not, in themselves, bloom stimulation events; they are only the first phase of a multiple-step process. The organismal and niche features required for a hidden flora member to become a bloom species are considered, and the interplay between niche structure, habitat carrying capacity, colonization requirements and stochasticity as factors in the changing global bloom behavior of dinoflagellates discussed. The question is posed whether traditional perspectives of phytoplankton behavior apply completely to dinoflagellates. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.