Benthic Microalgal Production at Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts Bay, USA

Authors

Lawrence B. Cahoon
Guy R. Beretich Jr.
Carrie J. Thomas
Amy M. McDonald, Old Dominion University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1993

DOI

10.3354/meps102179

Publication Title

Marine Ecology Progress Series

Volume

102

Issue

1-2

Pages

179-185

Abstract

Benthic microalgal chlorophyll a and production were measured at 3 sites at Stellwagen Bank, a cold temperate continental shelf habitat in Massachusetts Bay, USA, during August 1991. Benthic microalgal chlorophyll a averaged 39.8 Mg M^-2, vs average integrated phytoplankton chlorophyll a of 25.9 mg m^-2. Gross benthic microalgal production, measured by oxygen exchange in clear and opaque benthic chambers, averaged 20.9 mg C m^-2 h^-1. This production was supported by average daily light fluxes to the bottom that never exceeded 1 % of surface incident radiation and were as low as 4.7 μE M^-2 s^-1. These results indicate that benthic microalgal production can be spatially extensive and quantitatively important in continental shelf ecosystems.

Original Publication Citation

Cahoon, L. B., Beretich, G. R., Thomas, C. J., & McDonald, A. M. (1993). Benthic microalgal production at Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts Bay, USA. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 102(1-2), 179-185. doi:10.3354/meps102179

Repository Citation

Cahoon, Lawrence B.; Beretich, Guy R. Jr.; Thomas, Carrie J.; and McDonald, Amy M., "Benthic Microalgal Production at Stellwagen Bank, Massachusetts Bay, USA" (1993). OES Faculty Publications. 333.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/oeas_fac_pubs/333