| SS9.01 Ecosystem Science Practiced in an Urbanized Estuary: South San Francisco Bay |
| Swope, B, L, University of San Diego, San Diego, USA, bswope@sandiego.edu |
| Kaufmann, R, S, University of San Diego, San Diego, USA, kaufmann@sandiego.edu |
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| SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF PHYTOPLANKTON IN MISSION BAY OVER A COMPLETE ANNUAL CYCLE |
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| Mission Bay is a shallow estuary flushed primarily by tidal circulation. The eastern region of the bay receives little or no tidal flushing, compared to areas closer to the mouth. From November 2002 through November 2003, biweekly sampling was conducted at six sites within Mission Bay. Hydrographic, nutrient, and phytoplankton abundance data were gathered at each site. Spatial variation in sea surface temperatures was observed, with temperature differences up to 8.1 degrees Celsius between sites located near the mouth and back bay during the summer. Nutrient levels also varied spatially, with highest concentrations in the back regions of the bay, decreasing with proximity to the ocean. Areas with higher nutrient concentrations generally had lower phytoplankton diversity, while the regions with lower nutrient concentrations had higher phytoplankton diversity. Distinct fluctuations were observed between communities dominated by either diatoms or dinoflagellates, with pronounced seasonal shifts in the east bay. Phytoplankton densities generally were highest when diatoms dominated the community. Densities fluctuated throughout the year, with peaks in abundance observed during the spring and summer months. |
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