Phytoplankton Succession and Blooms

Phytoplankton develops in dependency on the environmental conditions changing in the course of the year. Accordingly, four seasonal stages of phytoplankton growth were identified in Kiel Bight (Smetacek, 1985 Bodungen, 1986 Wasmund et al., 2007) and 

FIGURE 15.5 Seasonal variation of phytoplankton biomass, split into main taxonomical groups, in (a) Lubeck Bight, (b) Arkona Sea and, (c) Bornholm Sea in 2004, (from Wasmund et al., 2005c, modified). Dictyocha counted to Chrysophyceae. 

The four seasonal stages are initiated by changes in the physical environment (Smetacek et al., 1984). In winter, phytoplankton growth is limited by light and survives with low metabolic activity and/or mixotrophy (e.g., cryptophyceae). Diatoms may even grow on the under side of the ice cover (Niemi, 1973). 

1984 PEX, 1989 Lignell etal., 1993). A succession to dinoflagellates was described by Witek 

Bornholm and Gotland Seas for the benefit of dinoflagellates (see Section 15.5.1). 

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