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Variability of Winter-Spring Bloom Phaeocystis pouchetii Abundance in Massachusetts Bay

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Abstract

Abundance of the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis pouchetii was quantified via light microscopy at 2-week to monthly intervals in Massachusetts Bay (southern Gulf of Maine, NW Atlantic) during 1992–2012. Variability in the abundance and seasonal cycle of Phaeocystis are described and synoptic hydrographic, nutrient, and meteorological data were analyzed to identify factors that may influence Phaeocystis abundance. The maximum Phaeocystis abundance was 14 × 106 cells L−1 (10 Apr 2008). It was frequently (5 of 8 years) absent prior to year 2000, but not thereafter. Seasonally, it first appeared in February to early March, reached peak abundance in mid-April, and persisted until May or early June for a duration of 0–112 days (mean 34 days). A long-term alternation between Phaeocystis and centric diatom abundance was apparent, suggesting winter-spring selection of either Phaeocystis or centric diatoms. Phytoplankton community analysis suggested that blooms affected the rest of the phytoplankton community. Phaeocystis blooms were manifest as a substantial increase in particulate nutrients above normal levels. Phaeocystis blooms were preceded in February by a slightly elevated concentration of NO3 (9.3 vs. 6.5 μM when absent) and PO4 (0.99 vs. 0.79 μM when absent). Blooms were also preceded by elevated ratios of NO3/PO4, NO3/Si, and PO4/Si, and warmer, saltier waters reflecting reduced river discharge. The correlation with salinity and river discharge suggests that Phaeocystis bloom variability is partially determined by annually varying circulation processes that determine the degree of low nutrient, low salinity coastal water intrusion into Massachusetts Bay.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for funding the long-term Massachusetts Bay monitoring program. (This article represents the opinions and conclusions of the authors and not necessarily those of the MWRA.) We also thank the field and laboratory scientist from Battelle, MWRA, University of Rhode Island and University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth for maintaining the year-round sampling program in Massachusetts Bay. They have completed oceanographic surveys during less than ideal winter weather conditions and have generated high quality laboratory analyses for over 20 years of monitoring. This paper would not be possible without their dedicated efforts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, 02882, USA

    David G. Borkman

  2. Pausacaco Plankton, Saunderstown, RI, 02874, USA

    David G. Borkman

  3. Battelle, 157 Park Row, Brunswick, ME, 04011, USA

    P. Scott Libby

  4. Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, 100 First Ave., Boston, MA, 02129, USA

    Michael J. Mickelson

  5. Biology Department and School for Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA, 02747, USA

    Jefferson T. Turner

  6. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, 5600 US 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34946, USA

    Mingshun Jiang

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Correspondence to David G. Borkman.

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Borkman, D.G., Libby, P.S., Mickelson, M.J. et al. Variability of Winter-Spring Bloom Phaeocystis pouchetii Abundance in Massachusetts Bay. Estuaries and Coasts 39, 1084–1099 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-016-0065-5

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