Seasonal Phytoplankton Assemblages in Northeastern Coastal Waters of the United States

摘要

The composition, concentration, and distribution of phytoplankton is discussed for the northeastern coastal waters. Areas of highest cell numbers included near shore waters adjacent to major estuary systems, Georges Bank, locations in the Gulf of Maine, and scattered sites along the shelf break. Areas of lowest cell concentrations were found at mid-shelf, within the Gulf of Maine, and in the more seaward stations. Seasonal patterns of succession occurred, with areas of high cell concentrations dominated by small-sized diatoms and several ultraplankton components. The seasonal presence of 678 phytoplankton is noted.