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Factors Controlling Phytoplankton Biomass in a Subtropical Coastal Lagoon: Relative Scales of Influence

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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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Acknowledgments

Funding for this research was provided by the University of Florida and an award from the Estuarine Reserves Division, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Invaluable field and lab assistance was generously provided by Don O’Steen, Loren Mathews, Lance Riley, Paula Viveros, Joey Chait, and Dorota Roth. The authors would also like to thank Blake Schaeffer, Daryl Parkyn, Clay Montague, Rick Gleeson, Shirley Baker, and one anonymous reviewer for their feedback on the manuscript.

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  1. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1 North, Ft. Pierce, FL, 34946, USA

    Nicole Dix

  2. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Program, University of Florida, 7922 NW 71st St., Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA

    Edward Phlips

  3. St. Johns River Water Management District, P.O. Box 1429, Palatka, FL, 32178, USA

    Peter Suscy

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Correspondence to Edward Phlips.

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Dix, N., Phlips, E. & Suscy, P. Factors Controlling Phytoplankton Biomass in a Subtropical Coastal Lagoon: Relative Scales of Influence. Estuaries and Coasts 36, 981–996 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-013-9613-4

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