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Factors Controlling Phytoplankton Biomass in a Subtropical Coastal Lagoon: Relative Scales of Influence |
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| Authors: | Nicole Dix Edward Phlips Peter Suscy |
| Institution: | 1. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34946, USA 2. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71st St., Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA 3. St. Johns River Water Management District, P.O. Box 1429, Palatka, FL, 32178, USA |
| Abstract: | Patterns in phytoplankton biomass are essential to understanding estuarine ecosystem structure and function and are the net result of various gain and loss processes. In this study, patterns in phytoplankton biomass were explored in relation to a suite of potentially regulating factors in a well-flushed, subtropical lagoon, the Matanzas River Estuary (MRE) in northeast Florida. We examined temporal variability in water temperature, light availability, nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton productivity, and phytoplankton standing stock over 8 years (2003–2010) and explored relationships among variables through correlation analysis. Laboratory experiments in the spring and summer of 2009 quantified phytoplankton growth rates, nutrient limitation potential, and zooplankton grazing rates. The potential influence of oyster grazing was also examined by scaling up population metrics and filtration rate estimates. Results indicated that phytoplankton biomass in the study area was relatively low mainly due to a combination of low temperature and light availability in the winter and consistent tidal water exchange and bivalve grazing throughout the year. Relatively low levels of phytoplankton standing stock and small inter-annual variability within the MRE reflect a balance between gain and loss processes which provide a degree of resilience of the system to natural and anthropogenic influences. |
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