-14-

76° 7a

Lge PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100

101 - 1000
1001 - 10,000

o 10,001 - 100,000
ge 100,001-1,000,000
wm
—
40° 404

Lo
NEW #
MARYLAND: ( vERSEY

a

a.

DE 79-11
3 DECEMBER - 17. DECEMBER 1979

Leas,
rE

CHESAPEAKE

VIRGINIA é
NO
eye)

om OO
ee : vuoweTeRs
7 » ee mee 72 70° 68° 66°

Figure 4. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-11, 3-17 December
1979.


-31-

Table 2. Average concentrations of cells per liter of near and far shore
stations for the northeastern continental shelf.

October-November December-February-March
Near No. Far No. Near No. Far No.
shore sp. shore sp. shore sp. shore sp.
Diatoms 63,905 173 26,809 141 51,512 153 46,168 148
Dino 807 136 1,584 103 4,270 98 3,179 89
Hapt 142 14 405 12 583 14 1,376 12
Eugl 21 5 38 1 37 2 200 2
Cyan 24 4 238 4 7,590 7 5 2
Chloro 8,350 3 893 3 5,096 4 2,136 3
Xanth - - 213 1 - - - -
Chrys 78 7 273 7 251 8 422 8
Crypto 50 8 13 6 105 7 280 6
Pras 285 4 555 2 89 3 210 3
Unk 5,009 - 191 - 137,939 - 99,565 -
TOTAL 78,671 31,212 207,468 153,541
May June-July-August
Near No. Far No. Near No. Far No.
shore sp. shore sp. shore sp. shore sp.
Diatoms 18,884 80 21,492 69 60,281 129 51,503 114
Dino 814 67 3,329 59 3,390 101 3,305 89
Hapt 520 il 6,013 4 116 9 718 6
Eugl 248 3 1,770 2 21 2 28 1
Cyan 1,258 2 13 1 1,362 4 455 6
Chloro 300 2 93 3 613 3 519 5
Xanth - - - - 2 1 - -
Chrys 19 7 35 2 51 7 28 5
Crypto 42 5 1,085 2 1,453 3 1,808 2
Pras 4 4 - - 3 2 1 1
Unk 22,638 7. 1,090 - 8,650 - 7,012 -
TOTAL 44,730 34,923 275,942 65,377
Key: Dino - Dinophyceans Xanth - Xanthophyceans
Hapt - Haptophyceans Chrys - Chrysophyceans
Eugl - Euglenophyceans Crypto - Cryptophyceans
Cyan - Cyanophyceans Pras ~ Prasinophyceans

Chloro - Chlorophyceans


ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to personnel from the NOAA, National Marine Fisheries
Service, Northeast Fisheries Center, Sandy Hook Laboratory, who collected the
samples and specifically to Michele Cox, who prepared the figures and Suellen
Craig, who processed the data. Special acknowledgment is extended to Charles
K. Rutledge, Steven Cibik, and Laurie Kalenak, graduate assistants at Old
Dominion University, for their contributions in sample analysis, with
additional thanks to Charles K. Rutledge, who processed the 01d Dominion
University computer data, and to Nadean Salalila and Maureen Montone for
typing the manuscript. Portions of this work at 01d Dominion University

were supported by funding from the NOAA, NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Center.

-8-


~18-

76° 74° 72 70°

| 4 PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100

101-1000

1001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000
100,001-1,000,000

42°

aot

MARYLAND

5

g
ype
“s

Y,
a
net

S00:
ve

A BE 79-01 :
al 41 AUGUST-2 SEPTEMBER 1979 “

ep

2 \
al wf
la aaa e|

"30 200

. 50

166.
KILOMETERS

e ae a ee 72 70° 68° 66°

Figure 8. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 79-01, 11 August-
2 September 1979.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION. 0.0... eee eee cence ete eee tenet e nee etn ee een eee
METHODS... 00 cece cece cece cee eee nee ene n eee eee n net tee ete e eee eee
RESULTS... cece ce eee ee eee ee teen eee eet e eee e een eee
SPECIES COMPOSITION

Assemblages in October-November (cruises BELOGORSK 78-03,
TB-O4 cece ee eee nee ee eee e een e bene nee eens

Assemblages of December, February, and March (cruises
DELAWARE 79-03, 79-113; ALBATROSS 80-02)...........2.2.eee eee eee

Assemblages in May (cruise DELAWARE 79-05)...........2..-eeeeeeeee

Assemblages in June, July, and August (cruise ALBATROSS 79-06;
BELOGORSK 79-01)... 0... cece eee cece eee eee eee cette eect e teen eens

SUMMARY 0... e ccc cece eee ee eee een en eee eee t eee ene n teen tee
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 0.0... cece eect e eee cent eee enn n teen eens .
LITERATURE CITED... 2... cece cece cece een nent eee tenet entrees

FIGURES

1. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 78-03,
6 October-1 November 1978........ ccc ece cece cece een n eee teen eeee

2. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 78-04,
15-30 November 1978........ ccc eee e eee cee teen ee tenet nena ee ene

3. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-03,
25 February-14 March 1979..... cc cee eee eee e cece tenn ete e eee eeeee

4. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-11,
3-17 December 1979

5. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise ALB 80-02,
27 February-5 April 1980... 2... ccc cece cece cere nee neers

6. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-05,
5-29 May 1979... ccc ccc eee cee eee tenet e een rest eea eae

7. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise ALB 79-06,
15 June-13 July 1979... cece cece cece cece erent ee tenet ene

"Preceding page blank | ~

Lo


-29-

Table 1 (conti.)

H

Il III Iv

Coceolithus sp.

Coecolithus pelagieus (Wallich) Schiller

Cyclocoeecolithus leptoporus (Murray and Blackman) Kamptner
Diseosphaera tubifer (Murray and Blackman) Ostenfeld
Emiliania huxleyt (Lohmann) Hay and Mohler

Gephyrocapsa oceanica Kamptner

tQuxxx*%
xD LK
rawxst
x Ax Kx

Heltocosphaera cartert (Wallich) Kamptner
Hymenomonas carterae (Braarud and Fagerland) Braarud
Hyrienomonas roseola stein

Michaelsaria elegans Gran

Ophiaster hydroideus (Lohmann) Lohmann

Pontosphaera syracusana Lohmann

x MM KK
aed
1%

1x eM

'
x
x

Rhabdosphaera elaviger Murray and Blackman
Rhabdosphaera hispida Lohmann
Rhabdosphaera stylifera Lohmann
Syracosphaera sp.

Syracosphaera apstetnit Lohmann
Syracosphaera pulehra Lohmann

x * 1K eK
xX LK 1K
x 11k xx
x*M x IT

CHRYSOPHYCEAE

Calycomonas ovalis Wulff

Calycomonas wulffit Conrad and Kufferath
Bietyocha fibula Ehrenberg

Distephanus speculum (Ehrenberg) Haeckel
Ebria tripartita (Schumann) Lemmermann
Mallomonas sp.

Ochromonas sp.

Olisthodiscus luteus Carter x

1x QAxK *
1x XOX * *
1X KX KM

xX XM KM MH

1
x

CYANOPHYCEAE

Agmenellumn quadruplicatun (Meneghini) Brebisson
Agmenellun thermale (Kutzing) Drouet and Daily
Anacystis sp.

Anacystis marina (Hansg) Drouet and Daily
Gomphosphaerta aponina Kutzing

Johannesbapttistia pelluctda (Dickie) Taylor and Drouet
Nostoe commune Vaucher

Oseillatoria sp.

Oscillatoria erythraea (Ehrenberg) Kutzing
Oseillatoria submembranacea Ardissone and Strafforello
Richelia tntracellularis Schmidt

(x MeKX 1am
xx 1p te axed
x 1K xXAQAKX TKK
XMM IK MMMM


-15+

78 mae
Lye PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100
401-1000 -
4001 - 10,000
- 10,001 - 100,000
BB 100,001-1,000,000
a Oo
YORK 3
40° h 404
NEW
MARYLAND vERSEY
of ,
vie} Mo \ &
\ DEL
pay 4 AL 80-02 oa
2 Mi 27 FEBRUARY-5 APRIL 1980
VIRGINIA,
fe 36
eae °  * ewowerers
‘ave
erst
Ze 7a 7 ita 70° 68° 66°

Figure 5. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise ALB 80-02, 27 February-
5 April 1980.


~21-

Table 1 (conti.)
I II IIl

4
<

Coseinodiscus perforatus Ehrenberg - - -
Coseinodiseus radiatus Ehrenberg x - x
Coscinodiseus stellarts Roper - -
Coseinodiscus stellaris var. symbolophora (Grunow) Jorgenson - - -
Cosetnodiscus subbulliens Jorgensen

Coseinodiscus tabularis Grunow

Cosetnodiseus wailesii Gran and Angst

Coscinostra sp.

Coseinostra polychorda (Gran) Gran

Cyelotella sp.

Cyclotella ecaspta Grunow

Cyelotella meneghiniana Kutzing

Cylindrotheca closterytum (Ehrenberg) Reimann and Lewin
Cymatostra belgtea Grunow

1
x MK MK

'
1
xx
'

QAA1kK OK
xOLILK IK
x OK I ra
MX KM IKK

x
x

Daetyliosolen antarcticus Castracane - -
Daetyltosolen mediterraneus Peragallo - -
Dimerogranma sp. . x x -
Dimerogranma minor (Gregory) Ralfs
Diplonets erabro Ehrenberg
Diplonets lineata (Donkin) Cleve
Diplonets smtthit (Brebisson) Cleve
Ditylun brightwellii (west) Grunow

1
1
1
te

wx ix
x wo
x 1x
xx MX

'
t
'

x

Eucampia cornuta (Cleve) Grunow
Eueampia zoodiacus Ehrenberg
Eunotogranma sp. 7 7 7

a
xx

Fragilaria sp. x - x
Fragilaria erotonensts Kitton - -
Fragilaria pinnata Ehrenberg - 7
Fragilaria striatula Lyngbye

x
1% xX

x
'
x

Grammatophora sp. .

Granmatophora marina (Lyngbye) Kutzing
Guinardia flaccida (castracane) Peragallo
Gyrostgma sp.

Gryostgma baltteun var. similis (Grunow) Cleve
Gyrosigma fasciola (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Gyrosigma hippocampus (Ehrenberg) Hassall

xx RI
1x OK
1x x x KX

XK MK KK

x
x
'

Hemiaulus hauckit Grunow x

Hemiaulus membranaceus Cleve - -
Hemtaulus sinensis Greville x -
Hemidiseus cunetformts Wallich - -

lox a
x AK

%

Isthmia nervosa Kutzing - - 7

Lauderia borealis Gran x - x
Leptocylindrus dantcus Cleve
Leptoeylindrus minimus Gran x x c x

bal
>
w
> x


-17-

76° 7

4 PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100

101-1000

1001 - 10,000

ww 10,001 ~ 100,000
100,001-1,000,000
New CONN
YORK
40° a
MARYLAND

z
-6
—

AL 79 - 06 38
15 JUNE-13 JULY 1979

We
a

Tar)
ten (iK,
sete

2
a
Bee:
sh

nie
s

36°

Se
os 00 0200
KILOMETERS:

70° mz 70° 68° 66°

Figure 7. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise ALB 79-06, 15 June-
13 July 1979.


-30-

Table 1 (conti.)

EUGLENOPHYCEAE

Euglena sp.

Euglena acus Ehrenberg
Euglena proxima Dangeard
Eutreptia lanowii Steuer
Eutreptia marina Cunha
Eutreptia viridis Perty
Phacus sp.

CHLOROPHYCEAE

Arthrodesmus sp.

Arthrodesmus subulatus Kutzing
Chlorella sp.

Crucigenta erveifera (Wolle) Collins
Crucigenta fenestrata Schmidle
Crucigenia irregularis Wille

Crucigenia tetrapedia (Kirchner) West and West

Nannochioris atomus Butcher
Pediastrun sp.

Pseudotetraedron neglectum Pascher
Scenedesmus sp.

Scenedesmus quadricauda (Turpin) Brebisson
Staurastrum leptoeladuwn var. insitdne West and West

CRY PTOPHYCEAE

Chroomonas sp.

Chroomonas salina (Wislouch) Butcher
Chroomonas vectensts Carter
Cryptomonas sp.

Cryptomonas pseudobaltica Butcher

Cryptomonas salina (Wislouch) Butcher
Cryptomonas stigmatica Wislouch

XANTHOPHYCEAE

Monodus sp.
Monodus guttula Pascher

PRAS INOPHYCEAE

Bipedinomonas pyriformis Carter
Pyramimonas amylifer Conrad
Pyramimonas grossit Parke

Pyramimonas obovata Carter
Pyramimonas torta Conrad and Kufferath

xx XX KO

x

1ax

Ir

x

xx

a

1axer

xx

1x x Ke

Ili

x

"Om

1X 1X MK KM KKK

a

xaxKt

Iv

1x ex

x x

1x xx

aed

1x KK OH


-12-

76° mae 72 70°

Lye PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100

101-1000
1001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000
E22 100,001-1,000,000

42°

New
YORK

403
BE 78-04
15 NOVEMBER - 30 NOVEMBER 1978
*y i 364
} oO 50 100 160 200
ws d . KILOMETERS
ae A mw 2 70° 6e° 66°

Figure 2. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 78-04, 15-30 November,
1978.


~4-

The average counts for the near shore stations were 207,468 cells/1, and
153,541 cells/1 at the far shore stations. These were the highest combined
concentrations for the study. A total of 326 species was noted for this
period, consisting of Bacillariophyceae (168), Dinophyceae (113), Haptophyceae
(15), Euglenophyceae (2), Cynaophyceae (6), Chlorophyceae (4), Chrysophyceae
(8), Cryptophyceae (7), and Prasinophyceae (3). The diatoms and the un-
speciated ultraplankton component represented the two most abundant groups
with the highest concentrations of cells at the near shore stations. A
patchy distribution of stations with low, moderate, and high cell concen-
trations occurred during cruises in December and February 1979 (Figures 3
and 4). Over this time period, areas of highest cell count were located

at coastal stations south of lower New York Bay, Delaware Bay, Chesapeake
Bay, and scattered in central shelf areas. During the ALBATROSS 80-02
cruise between 27 February and 5 April 1982, there was a pattern of high
levels of cell concentrations over the entire shelf (Figure 5). These
numbers (105-108 cells/1) came mainly from the ultraplankton and represented
an extensive development over the entire cruise track. Not included in
these collections were samples from the northern shelf and a large part of
the Gulf of Maine.

The dominant species during this period included the diatoms: ZLeptocylindrus
danicus, Skeletonema costatum, Thalasstosira nordenskioldit, Thalasstostra
rotula, 7. aestivalis, Chaetoceros spp., Rhizosolenia spp., Astertonella
glacialis, Thalassionema niteschioides, and Witzschia pungens. In addition
there were species that were widely distributed and usually present, but

not in high concentrations. These included: Paralia suleata, Corethron
ertophilun, Thalassiosira gravida, Coscinodiseus nitidus, Cerataulina
pelagiea, Chaetoceros decipiens, Rhizosolenia alata, R. delicatula,

R. imbricata, Guinardia flaccida, Ditylwn brightwellii, Cylindrotheca
closteriwn, and Mtsschia sertata.

The dinophyceans were common, but not in very high concentrations. Most
characteristic of the samples were Prorocentrwn micans, P. minimuwn,

P. balticun, Gymnodinium sp., Ceratium lineatum, C. fusus, and C. tripos.
Other common forms included the silicoflagellates Dictyocha fibula and
Distephanus speculum, and the coccolithophore Zmilianta hualeyi. Higher
average concentrations of coccolithophores were at the off shore stations,
where Emiliania huxleyi was most abundant. The unspeciated ultraplankton
component consisted of a mixed assemblage containing flagellate and non-
flagellated types. Many appeared to be cryptophyceans and chlorophyceans.
These were most abundant near shore and downstream from the major estuarine
systems. At the off shore stations, they were widely scattered with high
numbers at sites near the shelf break.

Assemblages in May (cruise DELAWARE 79-05)

Samples were taken in late spring following the vernal outburst; average
cell concentrations were low. The dominant species included a large
representation of Chaetoceros spp. and an assortment of small-sized
diatoms. The dominant species were Chaetoceros sociale and Leptocylindrus
danicus with an unspeciatedultraplankton component abundant. The


-27-

Table 1 (conti.)
I Il TIr Iv

x
U
x

Gyrodinium pellucidum (Wulff) Martin
Gyrodinium pinque (Schutt) Kofoid and Swezy
Gyrodinium resplendens Hulburt

Gyrodinium spirale (Berghman) Kofoid and Swezy
Gyrodinium uncatenum Hulburt

Gyrodinium undulans Hulburt

'
rt

ix 4
1k x

1x x
1% x
ied
xxx

Heterocapsa triquetra (Ehrenberg) Stein

x
x
x
x

Katodiniun asymmetricun (Massart) Fott - - - x
Katodintum rotundatum (Lohmann) Loeblich - x x x

Noetiluca miliaris suriray - - - x

Ornithocereus sp. - x -
Ornithocercus thurnt (Schmidt) Kofoid and Skogsberg - - -
Oxyrrhis marina Dujardin - - -
Oxytoxum sp. x -
Oxytoxum constrictum (Stein) Butschli - oe
Oxytoxum gladiolus stein fot -
Oxytoaum graate Stein - -
Oxytoxum Longiceps Schiller - -
Oxytoxum miinert Murray and Whitting - -
Oxytoxum mitra (Stein) Schiller - -
Oxytoxum parvum Schiller - -
Oxytoxun veticulatwn (Stein) Butschli x x
Oxytoxum seeptrum (Stein) Schroder - -
Oxytoxum scolopax Stein~
Oxytoxum sphaerotdeum Stein - -
Oxytoxum tesselatun (Stein) Schutt
Oxytoxum turbo Kofoid

x

1x x 1
xe KX KOK

x

1x

1x 1x *
1x MMMM KM

4
to
xx

*

Phalaecroma sp. x -
Podolampas sp.

Podolampas elegans Schutt
Podolampas palmipes stein - -
Polykrikos kofotdit chatton -
Prorocentrum sp.

Prorocentrum aporum, (Schiller) Dodge
Prorocentrum baltteum (Lohmann) Loeblich III
Prorocentrum compressum (Bailey) Abe
Prorocentrum cordatum (Ostenfeld) Dodge
Prorocentrun dentatum Stein

Prorocentrum gracile Schutt

Prorocentrum lima (Ehrenberg) Dodge
Prorocentrum maximum (Gourret) Schiller
Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg

Prorocentrum minimum (Pavillard) Schiller
Prorocentrum nanum Schiller

Prorocentrum obtusum (Karsten) Parke and Dodge

x
1%
xo
1%

rapt irrx tr ReaQaaK

1ararttixxxXaxutt
1OXXX MK UX KM MIT
1x OMXKK IK KKK MK

x
‘


~24-
Table 1 (conti.)

Sehroederetla delicatula (Peragallo) Pavillard
Seoltopleura sp.

Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve
Stauronets amphioxys Gregory

Stephanopyxts palmertana (Greville) Grunow
Stephanopyxis turris (Greville) Ralfs
Streptotheca thamests shrubsole

Striatella unipunetata (Lyngbye) Agardh
Surivella sp.

Surirella genma (Ehrenberg) Kutzing

Surtrella robusta Ehrenberg

Synedra sp.

Synedra provinctalis Grunow

Synedra tabulata var. faseteulata (Lyngbye) Hustedt
Synedra undulata Bailey

Tabellaria fenestrata var. astertonellotdes Grunow
Tabellaria fenestrata (Lyngbye) Kutzing
Thalassionema nitzschtotdes Hustedt
Thalassiosira sp.

Thalasstostra aestivalis Gran and Angst
Thalassiosira baltica (Grunow) Ostenfeld
Thalassiosira dectptens (Grunow) Jorgensen
Thalassiostra delicatula ostenfeld
Thalassiosira eccentrica (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Thalasstosira gravida Cleve

Thalassiosira nordenskioeldii Cleve

Thalassiostra pseudonana (Hustedt) Hasle and Heimdal

Thalasstosira rotula Meunier
Thalassiosira subtilis (Ostenfeld) Gran
Thalassiothrix frauenfelditt Grunow
Thalasstothrix longissima Cleve and Grunow
Triceratium favus Ehrenberg

Tropidoneis antaretica (Grunow) Cleve

DINOPHYCEAE (Pyrrhophyceae)

Amphidinium sp.

Amphidinium acutissimum Schiller
Amphidinium acutun Lahmann
Amphidinium ecarteraé Hulburt
Amphidintum erassum Lohmann
Amphidinium glaueum conrad
Amphidinium globosum schroder
Amphidinium klebsitzt Kofoid and Swezy
Amphidinium lacustre stein
Amphidiniun Laneeolatum schroder
Amphidinium latwn Lebour
Amphidiniun operculatwn.Cclaparede and Lachmann
Amphidinium schroederi schiller
Amphidinium sphenoides wulff

ix 1 wWAaPaAaX XM DRM PE e ERK ER Ta ow

(wx OX Dax

1x

Ix 1x aQaax

x

xx

II

xe MMT

x 1K 1a

XxX TQ1QIXM MK TEx

xxx

ed

IIrl

ie KF Ix 0x xX 1 DIK

LOM ee KK

1oOrKx an

aed

1x «x

TM

x KKM

LOxK eM KM

H
(XX xXKX xX PKA

xx 1K KE

1OX*

MxM XOX

1x KKM KK

11x

x Kx


INTRODUCTION

In two earlier articles by Marshall and Cohn (198la, b), studies in the
northeastern coastal waters were discussed, with a presentation of phyto-

~~ plankton concentrations and community structure given for two fall months.

SSIn this paper, features of the annual phytoplankton distribution in north-

eastern coastal waters of the United States are described in relation to
seasonal assemblages and dominant species throughout the year. Emphasis
has been placed on the actual phytoplankton composition becausé of the
relationships these populations have in sustaining fishery resources, and
to characterize those species that are seasonally present within this
trophic system. . This type of information would not be available when more
indirect methods of.assessing phytoplankton abundance are used (e.g.,
chlorophyll] "a" measurements). +The information obtained in this study
will provide a broad reference source of seasonal species composition and
concentrations over the northeastern shelf regionx To this data base will
be added ongoing monitoring information on phytoplankton for future analysis
and application to regional fishery concerns.

METHODS

Water samples were obtained from eight Ocean Pulse/MARMAP cruises over
portions of the United States northeastern continental shelf between October
1978 and February 1980. Station coordinates and cruise tracks are given in
the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) cruise reports (BELOGORSK 78-03,
78-04, 79-01; DELAWARE 79-03, 79-05, 79-11; ALBATROSS 79-06, 80-02). During
each cruise, NMFS personnel collected the samples and provided support data.
Collection and analysis protocol has been previously described (Marshall and
Cohn, 198la). It includes taking 500 mi water samples which are subsequently
examined with an inverted microscope using a modified Utermoh] technique.

In this report, the results are based on surface samples preserved with
buffered formalin solution.

Duplicate samples were also taken during each cruise and examined by both
investigators to assure quality control for species identification. The
classification used here generally follows the format given by Hendey
(1974), Parke and Dixon (1976), and Van Landingham (1976-1979). All data
were transferred to the computer files at the NMFS, Sandy Hook Laboratory.

RESULTS

A total of 678 phytoplankters were identified in this study and are listed
in Table 1. The species were divided among the Bacillariophyceae (274),
Dinophyceae (Pyrrhophyceae) (332), Haptophyceae (Prymnesiophyceae) (19),
Euglenophyceae (8), Cyanophyceae (12), Chlorophyceae (13), Xanthophyceae
(2), Chrysophyceae (6), Cryptophyceae (7), and Prasinophyceae (5). An


-vi-

Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 79-01,
11 August-2 September 1979... .. 0. cece cece eee eee eee erence eee 18

TABLES

Phytoplankton species identified during this study, with

their presence noted during four time periods: I (December-
March), II (May), III (June-August), and IV (October-

November). The degree of dominance is indicated by A, B,

or C (A greatest), with x representing presence.........--..+.. 19

Average concentrations of cells per liter of near and
far shore stations for the northeastern continental shelf...... 31


-13-

4 PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100 -

| 101 - 1000
| 1001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000
Be 100,001-1,000000

DL 79 - 03
25 FEBRUARY - 14 MARCH 1979

Q
fee

ATH 364
Lae °

O80 1 200
‘care. KILOMETERS
AT TERA, .
as. mw we 70° 68° 66°

Figure 3. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-03, 25 February-
14 March 1979.


-3-

diatoms were more abundant near shore, averaging 63,900 cells/1 compared
to 26,800 cells/1 for the off shore stations, with a greater number of
species found at the near shore stations than at the off shore stations.
Other diatoms that did not reach large concentrations, but were common
over the shelf at this time included Actinoptychus senarius, Cerataulina
pelagtca, Chaetoceros spp.,.Coscinodiscus spp., Cylindrotheca closteriun,
Ditylun brightwellit, Mtzschta sertata, Paralia suleata, Rhizosolenia
spp., and Thalasstosira spp.

The dinophyceans had a larger number of species, but were in lower
concentrations near shore, as were the euglenophyceae and prasinophyceae.
Amphidium spp., Cevattwn spp., Dinophysis spp., Gonyaulax spp., Gymnodiniwn
spp., Gyrodiniwn spp., Oxytoxum spp., Prorocentrum spp., and Protoperidinium
spp. represented the majority of dinoflagellates in this category with
Prorocentrum micans a Characteristic form over the shelf. Although not
noted in large concentrations, the coccolithophores were common throughout
the area, but more abundant off shore. In contrast, the chlorophyceans,
represented mainly by Nannochloris atomus, were concentrated at the near
shore stations. The silicoflagellates, Dictyocha fibula and Distephanus
speculwn, consistently were found throughout the shelf area but were more
numerous at mid- and far-shelf stations. The major cyanophyceans were
Oseillatoria erythraea and Nostoe commune. The unspeciated ultraplankton
component had the largest concentration of cells at the near shore stations.
These cells appeared similar to several coccoid-shaped chlorophycean and
cyanophycean species.

The species composition at adjacent stations were usually similar, but often
with different species or combinations of species being dominant. Species
dominance changed from October to November with Skeletonwna costatwn being
the dominant in October, and Wannochloris atomus in November. The fall
outburst was associated with Skeletonema costatwn development, decreased

in November. The areas of highest cell concentrations were off Narragansett
Bay, Tower New York Bay, in portions of the Gulf of Maine, and over Georges
Bank (Figures 1 and 2). Lowest levels were found in the Gulf of Maine and
at locations along the shelf break. Not included in these cruises were
collections in the most southern and northern extremes of the shelf, with
the BELOGORSK 78-04 cruise limited to a north central area.

Assemblages of December, February, and March (cruises DELAWARE 79-03, 79-11;
ALBATROSS 80-02)

The winter-spring outburst for the northeastern shelf waters is normally
associated with this period. The onset of this vernal growth period may
begin as early as the November-December period, reaching. its climax by
late March or early April (Fish, 1925; Gran and Braarud, 1935; Lillick,
1937; Sears, 1941; Riley,.1952; Pratt, 1959). Even with a broad range

of times given for the start and duration of the "spring" growth period

in this region, the pattern of growth is basically the same. Small-sized
diatoms dominate the period, characterized by high concentrations of cells
that generally persist through late winter and early spring. The concen-
trations then decline rapidly, with the dominants replaced by other species
in lower concentrations.


-19-

Table 1. Phytoplankton species identified during this study, with their presence
noted during four time periods: I (December-March), II (May),
August), and IV (October-November). The degree of dominance is indicated

by A, B, or C (A greatest), with x representing presence.

BACILLARIOPHYCEAE

Achnanthes sp.

Achnanthes longipes agardh

Actinoptychus sp.

Actinoptychus senarius Ehrenberg
Amphiprora sp.

Amphiprora gigantea var. decussata Grunow
Amphora sp.

Amphora averaria Donkin

Amphora costata W. Smith

Amphora erassa Gregory

Amphora cuneata Cleve

Amphora laevts Gregory

Amphora ostrearia Brebisson

Amphora ovalis Kutzing

Amphora proteoitdes Hustedt

Amphora proteus Gregory

Anaulus mediterraneus var. intermedia crunow
Asterionella bleakeleyt w. smith
Asterionella formosa Hassale
Asterionella glactalis castracane
Asterolampra marylandica Ehrenberg
. Asteromphalus flabellatus (Brebisson) Greville
Asteromphalus heptactis’ (Brebisson) Ralfs

Bacillaria paxillifer (Muller) Hendey
Bacteriastrum sp.

Bacteriastrum comosum Pavillard
Bacteriastrum delicatulum Cleve
Baeteriastrum hyalinum Lauder
Bacteriastrum varians Lauder
Bellerochea malleus (Brightwell) VanHeurck
Biddulphia sp.

Biddulphia alternans (Bailey) VanHeurck
Biddulphia aurtta (Lyngbye) Brebisson
Biddulphia mobiliensts (Bailey) Grunow
“Biddulphia regia (Schultz) Ostenfeld
Biddulphia sinensis Greville

Campylodiseus limbatus Brebisson
Campylosira eymbelliformis (Schmidt) Grunow
Cerataulina pelagiea (Cleve) Hendey.
Chaetoceros sp.

Chaetoceros affine Lauder

Chaetoceros atlanticwn Cleve

Chaetoceros atlanticus var. neapolitana (Schroder) Hustedt

Chaetoceros breve Schutt
Chaetoceros coarctatum Lauder

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NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/NEC- 15

This TM series is used for documentation and timely communication of
preliminary results, interim reports, or special purpose information; and
has not received complete formal review, editorial control, or detailed

 IMOSAiye
> so. editing.

Re

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ty

Seasonal Phytoplankton Assemblages
in Northeastern Coastal Waters
of the United States

Harold G. Marshall! and Myra S. Cohn?

‘Dept. of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA 23508
2Sandy Hook Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, Highlands, NJ 07732

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Malcolm Baldridge, Secretary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
John V. Byrne, Administrator

National Marine Fisheries Service

William G. Gordon, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

Northeast Fisheries Center

a
iment of Commerce

epnooucko
Woods Hole, Massachusetts | sgt feiittinemaet See 3

duly 1982

qv


-6-

Assemblages in June, July, and August (cruise ALBATROSS 79-06; BELOGORSK 79-01)

This period contrasted with May, showed an increase in the concentration
of phytoplankton over the shelf, with average counts of 75,942 and 65,337
cells/1 noted for the near and off shore stations. A total of 316 species
was identified during this period with the diatoms (153) and dinophyceans
(126) having the greatest representation and the remaining 37 species
divided among the other groups. The dominant species at the near shore
stations were the diatoms skeletonema costatum, Leptocylindrus danicus,
Thalasstostra rotula, Asterionella glactalis, Cylindrotheca closterium,

and Hemiaulus stnensts. At the far stations dominant forms were Chaetoceros
atlanttcum, Rhizosolenta spp., Asterionella glactalis, and Thalassiosira
votula. There were 16 species of Rhizosolenia common in the samples, which
were widely distributed over the shelf. Khizosolenia alata, R. alata
gracillima, and R. imbricata were most numerous.

With the exceptions of several scattered stations where small-sized diatoms
were abundant, none of the other groups were found in high concentrations.
The cyanophyceans, dinophyceans, and haptophyceans were well represented in
the majority of samples, but were not found in high concentrations. In
general, the average concentrations for the diatoms, cyanophyceans,
chrysophyceans, and the ultraplankton component had higher values near
shore, whereas the haptophyceans and cryptophyceans had greater concentra-
tions at the off shore stations. The values for the dinophyceae,
euglenophyceae, chlorophyceae, and prasinophyceae were fairly similar
across the shelf, with the xanthophyceans noted only near shore. Other
species common over a broad range of shelf stations but not in large
concentrations were the cyanophyceans Wostoe commune and Osetllatoria
erythraea and the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Common diatoms
included Coseinodiseus nitidus, Eucampia zoodiacus, Cerataulina pelagica,
Chaetoceros decipiens, Rhizosolenia spp., Guinardia flacetda, Thalasstonema
niteschtoides, Nitaschia pungens, and Crucigenia fenestrata. Among the
dinophyceans, the most representative species were Prorocentrun micans,

P. minimum, P. apora, P. baltieum, Dinophysis fortit, Amphidinium acutum,
Ceratium fusus, C. lineatum, C. tripos, and Cryptomonas sp.

There was again a patchy pattern with high and low cell concentrations over
the shelf (Figures 7 and 8). The stations where cell concentrations were
greatest included several near shore stations from Maine to North Carolina,
those at scattered shelf locations, and Georges Bank.

SUMMARY

Different concentrations of cells occurred throughout each "season", with
many similar species common throughout the annual cycle. High cell concen-
trations were associated with Georges Bank, over and southwest of Nantucket
Shoals, various near shore stations in the Gulf of Maine, off Lower New
York Bay, southeast and south of Delaware Bay, south of the Chesapeake Bay
“entrance, at scattered sites over the mid-shelf, and along the length of


-5-

collections in May were geographically extensive and covered all portions
of the shelf between Cape Hatteras and the northern Gulf of Maine (Figure 6).

A total of 230 species was noted with the majority composed of diatoms

(104), dinophyceans (91), haptophyceae (13), and the remaining (22) divided
among the other groups. The average concentrations per station were 44,730
cells/1 for the near shore stations and 34,923 cells/1 for the off shore
stations. There were only slight differences in average concentrations

of diatoms over the shelf. However, values for dinophyceans, haptophyceans,
euglenophyceans, and cryptophyceans were significantly higher at off shore
stations. The unspeciated ultraplankton component and the cyanophyceans
were concentrated near shore. The ultraplankton consisted of several
species, round to ovoid in shape and less than 10 microns in size, others

of which were flagellated. Xanthophyceans were not noted in these collec-
tions. Prasinophyceae were found only at near shore stations and represented
by several Pyramimonas spp. in low numbers. The most abundant forms at

the near shore stations were the diatoms Chaetoceros sociale and Leptocylindrus
danicus, the cyanophycean Nostoe commune, and a mixed, unspeciated ultra-
Plankton group.

The compositions of phytoplankton at off shore stations differed from those
near the coast in having lower diversity and higher equitability. The
prominent diatoms consisted of a few small-sized forms (e.g. Cylindrotheca
closterium, Leptocylindrus danicus) and a variety of chain-forming species
including Cerataulina pelagica, Chaetoceros sp., C. compresswn, C. curvisetum,
Nitzschta pungens, and Thalasstostra gravida. Of the coccolithophores,
Emiliania huxleyi was common in all the collections, but. in higher concen-
trations over the mid- and outer-shelf. Two other abundant forms over

the shelf were Eutreptia viridis (euglenophycean) and Cryptomonas sp.
Representative cryptomonads were widely distributed over the shelf. Other
phytoflagellates that were common in the shelf collections included
Prorocentrum minimum, P. balticum, Dinophycis fortit, Ceratiwn fusus,

C. lineatum, and Cy tripos.

Throughout the spring collection there was a distinct difference in

the concentrations of cells and dominant species. Patchiness was
common, with highest cell concentrations found at sites in the Gulf

of Maine, Georges Bank, off Rhode Island, outside New York Bay and
Delaware Bay, and in portions of the shelf area off North Carolina.

High cell numbers were observed in the northern sector extending in a
crescent shaped pattern from the northeastern coast of Maine to Georges
Bank and Nantucket Shoals. Low concentrations were found at both near
and off shore locations scattered over the shelf. The near shore species
composition was mainly a mixture of small-sized cells (diatoms and other
ultraplankton) with chaetoceran and other chain-forming diatoms common.
The numbers of phytoflagellates and larger cell types over the mid- and
far-shelf were significantly greater than what was found at the near
shore stations.


-26-

Table 1 (conti.)

Dinophysts sphaeriea stein

Dinophysis tripos Gourret

Diplosalis sp.

Diplosalts lenticula Bergh

Dissodiun asymmetricum (Mangin) Loeblich III

Glenodinium sp.

Glenodintun danieum Paulsen

Glenodinium foliacewn Stein

Gonyaulax sp.

Gonyaulax birostris Stein

Gonyaulax eatenata (Lev) Kofoid

Gonyaulaz eonjuneta Wood

Gonyaulax diacantha (Meunier) Schiller
Gonyaulax dtegensts Kofoid

Gonyaulax digitalis (Pouchet) Kofoid
Gonyaulax excavata (Braarud) Balech
Gonyaulax kofotdi Pavillard

Gonyaulax milneri (Murray and Whitting) Kofoid
Gonyaulax minima Matzenauer .
Gonyaulax minuta Kofoid and Michener
Gonyaulax orientalts Linderman

Gonyaulax polyedra Stein

Gonyaulax polygranma Stein

Gonyaulax sertppsae Kofoid

Gonyaulax spinifera (Claparede and Lachmann) Diesing
Gonyaulax tricantha Jorgensen .
Gonyaulax untcormts Lebour

Gontiodoma SP.

Gymnodinium sp. #1

Gymnodinium sp. #2

Gymnodinium sp. #3

Gymnodinium aretteum Wulff

Gymnodintum boguensis Campbell

Gymnodinium breve Davis

Gymnodinium dissimile Kofoid and Swezy
Gymnodinium grammatieum (Pouchet) Kofoid and Swezy
Gymnodinium minutwn Hulburt

Gymnodinium nelsont Martin

Gymnodinium punetatum Pouchet

Gymnodinium simplex (Lohmann) Kofoid and Swezy
Gymnodinium splendens Lebour

Gymnodinium stellatwn Hulburt

Gymnodinium variable Herdman

Gyrodinium sp.

Gyrodinium aureum (Conrad) Schiller
Gyrodiniun dominans Hulburt

Gyrodinium estuarialé Hulburt

Gyrodinium fustforme Kofoid and Swezy
Gyrodinium glaebum Hulburt

Gyrodinium glauewn Lebour

Gyrodinium metun Hulburt

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-25-
Table 1 (conti.)

Amphidinium steintt (Lemmermann) Kofoid and Swezy
Amphidoma sp.

Amphidoma steinit Schiller

Amphisotenta bifureata Murray and Whitting
Amphisolenta globifera Stein

Ceratium aretieum (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Ceratium belone Cleve

Cerattum bueephatum (Cleve) Cleve

Cerattun candelabrum (Ehrenberg) Stein
Ceratium contortum (Gourret) Cleve
Ceratiun contortum karsteni (Pavillard) Sournia
Ceratium contrarium (Gourret) Pavillard
Ceratium extenswn (Gourret) Cleve

Ceratium faleattforme Jorgensen

Cerattum furea (Ehrenberg) Claparede and Lachmann
Ceratium fusus (Ehrenberg) Dujardin
Cerattum geniculatum (Lemmermann) Cleve
Cerattiwn horridum (Cleve) Gran

Ceratium kofoidi Jorgensen

Ceratium lineatum (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Cerattum Longipes (Bailey) Gran

Ceratiwn macroceros (Ehrenberg) VanHoffen
Ceratium massiliense (Gourret) Jorgensen
Cerattum minutum Jorgensen

Ceratiun pavillardit Jorgensen

Cerattum pentagonun Gourret

Ceratium ranipes Cleve

Ceratium teres Kofoid

Ceratium trichoceros (Ehrenberg) Kofoid
Ceratium tripos (Muller) Nitzsch

Ceratiun tripos var. atlanticwn (Ostenfeld) Paulsen
Cochodinium sp.

Cochlodinium constrictwn (Schutt) Lemmermann
Cochlodiniun helicotdes Lebour
Cochlodinium kofoidit Kofoia

Cochlodinium pellucidum Lohmann

Dinophysts sp.

Dinophysis acuminata Claparede and Lachmann
Dinophysts acuta Ehrenberg

Dinophysis avetica Mereschkowsky

Dinophysits caudata Kent

Dinophysts exigua Kofoid and Skogsberg
Dinophysts fortii Pavillard

Dinophysis hastata Stein

Dinophysts lachmanni Paulsen

Dinophysis micropterygia Dang

Dinophysis norvegica Claparede and Lachmann
Dinophysts ovum Schutt

Dinophysts parvula (Schutt) Balech
Dinophysts punetata Jorgensen

Dinophysis rotundata Claparede and Lachmann
Dinophysis schuettii Murray and Whitting

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-2-

additional category composed of unspeciated ultraplankton was also recognized.
Several apparently different species were included in this group. They all
had cells which were round to ovoid in shape, and less than 10 microns in
size (most less than 3 microns). The majority of these species appear to

be members of either the Cyanophyce or Chlorophyce.

Continual seasonal coverage of the phytoplankton growth patterns was not
possible with only eight cruises (one to five weeks duration) over a 17
month period. Thus, although restricted to the time periods imposed by
the eight cruises, growth patterns were identified with characteristic
assemblages, were divided into the following monthly categories:
October-November, December-March, May, and June-August. This grouping
does not infer a strict temporal adherence of these populations to these
months, but rather an association of certain phytoplankton to different
periods of development within the system, that took place during this
series of collections. The occurrence and dominance of the various
phytoplankters during these periods are given in Table 1.

SPECIES COMPOSITION
Assemblages in October-November (cruises BELOGORSK 78-03, 78-04)

The phytoplankton during this period were dominated by large concentrations
of small-sized diatoms with an assortment of other diatoms, phytoflagellates,
and chlorophyceans predominating. At the near shore stations the abundant
forms included the diatoms Asterionella glactalis, Corethron eriophilun,
Leptocylindrus danieus, Nitzschia pungens, Rhizosolenia delicatula,
Skeletonema costatwn, and Thalassionema nitaschiotdes. Other common
species included Wannochloris atomus, Ceratiwn lineatwn, Dinophysis

fortit, Gymnodinium spp., Heterocapsa triquetra, Prorocentrun micans,
Emiliania huxleyi, Pyramtmonas grosst, Dietyocha fibula, and Distephanus
speculwn. Forms more abundant at the off shore stations were Guinarida
flaccida, Leptocylindrus dantcus, Nitaschia pungens, Rhtzosolenta
imbricata, Skeletonema costatun, Thalasstonema nitaschoides, Ceratium
Spp., Prorocentrwn aporum, P. compressun, P. micans, Cyclococeolithus
leptoporus, Emiliania huxleyt, Dietyocha fibula, Distephanus speculum,

and Nannochloris atomus. In addition to the above, large concentrations
of unspeciatedultraplankters were often found at stations throughout the
shelf, but in greatest numbers near shore and less frequently along the
shelf break.

In total, 427 species were identified during this period, of which 208 were
diatoms, 107 pyrrhophyceans, and the remaining 49 species representing eight
other phylogenetic classes. Average counts indicated highest cell concen-
trations were found at near shore stations (78,761 cells/1) compared to the
off shore stations (31,212 cells/1) (see Table 2). This collection may be
reflective of a species transition from the more typical species of warmer
stable waters to those of the cooler, fall turnover period. In general,


-16-

76° mae

Lee PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L
1-100

| 101 - 1000
1001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

+42?

100,001-1,000,000

CONN

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Figure 6. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise DEL 79-05, 5-29 May 1979.


. -22-

Table 1 (conti.)

Liemophora sp.

Liemophora abbreviata agardh

Liemophora flabellata (Carmichael) Agardh
Liemophora gracilis (Ehrenberg) Grunow
Liemophora paradoxa var. tineta (Agardh) Hustedt
Lithodesmium undulatwn Ehrenberg

Mastoglota sp.

Mastogloia braunit Grunow

Mastogloia smithti Thwaites

Melostra sp.

Melostra granulata (Ehrenberg) Ralfs
Melostra hummii Hustedt ~

Melostra montliformis (Muller) Agardh
Melostra nummulotdes (Dillwyn) Agardh

Navicula sp. #1

Navieula sp. #2

Navieula sp. #3

Navicula abrupta (Gregory) Cleve

Navieula arenaria Donkin

Navicula eaneellata Donkin

Navicula elavata Gregory

Navieula cuspidata var. anbigua (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Navieula directa (W. Smith) Cleve

Navicula distans (W. Smith) Cleve

Navicula foreipata Greville

Navieula hennedyit w. Smith

Navieula Lyra Ehrenberg

Navteula palperbralis Brebisson

Navieula pavillardt Hustedt

Navieula pelagica Cleve

Navieula salinarum Grunow

Navtcula transitans var. asymmetrica (Cleve) Cleve
Navicula transitans (Cleve) Cleve

Nitzschia sp.

Nitaschta acuminata (W. Smith) Grunow
Nitasehia amphibita Grunow

Nitzschia angularis var. affinis (Grunow) Grunow
Nitzschia bilobata w. smith ©

Mitaschia clausit Hantzsch

Nitasehia delicatissima Cleve

Nitaschia foreitpata Greville

Mtzschia insignis Gregory

Nitzschia longtssima (Brebisson) Ralfs
Nitaschia lorenziana var. tneerta Grunow
Nitaschia Lorenatana Grunow

Nitaschia lorenziana var. tneurva Grunow
Mitzschia microcephala Grunow

Nitzschia obtusa var. scalpelliformis crunow

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LITERATURE CITED

FARMER, F. H.

1981. Interpretation of an index of phytoplankton population composition
calculated from remote airborne fluoresensor (RAF) data. In:
Chesapeake Bay Plume Study: Superflux 1980. J. W. Campbell and
J. P. Thomas (eds.). NASA Conference Publ. 2188 and NOAA/NEMP III
81 ABCDFG 0042. pp. 429-437.

FISH, C. Jd.
1925. Seasonal distribution of the phytoplankton of Woods Hole region.
Bull. Bur. Fish. Wash. 11: 91-179.

GRAN, H. and T. BRAARUD.
1935. A qualitative study of the phytoplankton in the Bay of Fundy
and the Gulf of Maine. J. Biol. Bd. Canada 1: 279-467.

HENDEY, N. I.
1974. A revised check-list of British marine diatoms. J. Mar. Biol.

Ass. U.K. 54: 277-300.

JARRETT, 0., W. E. ESAIAS, C. A. BROWN, Jr. and E. B. PRITCHARD.
1981. Analysis of ALOPE data from Superflux. In: Chesapeake Bay Plume
Study: Superflux 1980. J. W. Campbell and J. P. Thomas (eds.).
NASA Conference: Publ. 2188 and NOAA/NEMP III 81 ABCDFG 0042. pp.
405-415. :

JOHNSON, R. W. and R. C. HARRIS.
1980. Remote sensing for water quality and biological measurements
in coastal waters. Photographic Engineering and Remote Sensing
46: 77-85.

LILLICK, L. C.
1937. Seasonal studies of the phytoplankton of Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Biol. Bull. Mar. Biol. Lab. Woods Hole 73: 488-503.

MARSHALL, H. G.
1981. Phytoplankton assemblages within the Chesapeake Bay plume and
adjacent waters of the continental shelf. In: Chesapeake Bay Plume
Study: Superflux 1980. J. W. Campbell and J. P. Thomas (eds.).
NASA Conference Publ. 2188 and NOAA/NEMP III. 81 ABCDFG 0042. pp.
439-468.

MARSHALL, H. G. and M. S. COHN.
198la. Phytoplankton community structure in northeastern coastal waters
of the United States. I. October 1978. NOAA Tech. Mem. NMFS-F/NEC-8. 57 p.

MARSHALL, H. G. and M. S. COHN.
1981b. Phytoplankton community structure in northeastern coastal waters

of the United States. II. November 1978. NOAA Tech. Mem. NMFS-F/
NEC-9. 34 p.

-9-


-11-

78 74° 72 70° ee er 66°
on’ § wa
A NOVA
| 4 PHYTOPLANKTON CELLS/L ( 3Bhs cal
1-100 Mn ey
. od
401 - 1000

; ie
4001- 10,000  wastige /

10,001 — 100,000

42

100,001-1,000,000

404
a BE 78-03 36

6 OCTOBER - 1 NOVEMBER 1978

psd

cha

yf =

a eee
ame 7a 72° 70° 6a" 66°

Figure 1. Concentrations of cells per liter during cruise BEL 78-03, 6 October-
1 November 1978.


ABSTRACT

~The composition, concentration, and distribution of phytoplankton is discussed
for the northeastern coastal waters. Areas of highest cell numbers included
near shore waters adjacent to major estuary systems, Georges Bank, locations
in the Gulf of Maine, and scattered sites along the shelf break. Areas of
lowest cell concentrations were found at mid-shelf, within the Gulf of Maine,
and in the more seaward stations. Seasonal patterns of succession occurred,
with areas of high cell concentrations dominated by small-sized diatoms:
(evg.-Skeletonema costatum, Leptocylindrus danieus, Astertonella glactalis)
and several ultraplankton components. The seasonal presence of 678 phyto-
plankton is noted...

[ Preceding ‘page Ol blank | |

~iii-




Table 1 (conti.)

Chaetoceros compressum Lauder
Chaetoceros coneavicorne Mangin
Chaetoceros constrictum Gran
Chaetoceros convolutum castracane
Chaetoceros costatum Pavillard
Chaetoceros erinitus schutt
Chaetoceros curvisetum Cleve
Chaetoceros danicun Cleve
Chaetoceros debile cleve
Chaetoceros decipiens Cleve
Chaetoceros densum Cleve
Chaetoceros didymm Bhrenberg
Chaetoceros diversum Cleve
Chaetoceros externum Gran
Chaetoceros gracile schutt
Chaetoceros laciniosum schutt
Chaetoceros Lorenstanum Grunow
Chaetoceros pelagicum Cleve
Chaetoceros pendulwn Karsten
Chaetoceros peruvianum Brightwell
Chaetoceros pseudocurvisetum Mangin
Chaetoceros simplex ostenfeld
Chaetoceros sociale Lauder
Chaetoceros teres Cleve
Chaetoceros tortissimum Gran
Climacodium bieoneavum Cleve
Climacodium frauenfeldianum Grunow
Climacosphenita moniligera Ehrenberg

Coeconeis
Coceonets
Coeeonets

sp. #1
sp. #2
distans Gregory

Coeeonets pinnata Gregory

Coeconets
Coeconets
Corethron

seutellum Ehrenberg

seutellum var. ornata Grunow

eriophilum castracane

Coseinodiseus sp.
Coscinodiseus apicultferus Rattray

Coseinodiscus

Coseinodiscus centralts. Ehrenberg
Coseinodiseus cinetus Kutzing
Coseinodiseus coneinnus W. Smith

Coseinodiscus

Cosctnodiseus gigas Ehrenberg
Coscinodiseus grant Gough
Coscinodiseus granulosus Grunow
Coscinodiseus kuetzingit schmidt
Coscinodiscus lineatus Ehrenberg
Coscinodiseus marginatus Ehrenberg
Coseinodiseus nitidus Gregory
Coscinodiscus obseurus Schmidt

Cosetnodiseus

asteromphalus Ehrenberg

gigas var. praetexta (Janasch) Hustedt

oculus tridis Ehrenberg

-20-

wo

ranraxar

a

x

1x x OT

x

1xaqat

x xX KOK OKXK KK I

ixe

x

xx WOK

II

xxx E

x

2

TIr

Cx KF

xx xO

x

M1 MR MO

a a

Iv

1x * x

x

xx XK RMR KK

xe 1K KO

rie xe *

1x x 1x DK

x

MMR MMM KOO

x




-28-

Table 1 (conti.)

Prorocentrum ovum (Schiller) Dodge
Prorocentrum rostratum Stein

Prorocentrum rotundatum Schiller
Prorocentrum scutellum Schroder
Prorocentrum triestinum Schiller
Prorocentrum vaginulum (Stein) Dodge
Protoperidintum sp. #1

Protoperidinium sp. #2

Protoperidinium sp. #3

Protoperidinium abet (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidinium achromaticum (Levander) Balech
Protopertdinium bipes (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidintum breve (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidinium brevipes (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidiniun cerasus (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidinium elaudicans (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidinium contcoides (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidiniun conicum (Gran) Balech
Protoperidintun curvipes Ostenfeld
Protoperidiniun depressum (Bailey) Balech
Protoperidiniwn dtabolum (Cleve) Balech
Protoperidinium divergens (Ehrenberg) Balech
Protoperidintum globulum (Stein) Balech
Protopertdinium granit (Ostenfeld) Balech
Protoperidiniun hirobis Abe

Protopertdiniwn Leonits (Pavillard) Balech
Protoperidiniunt'minutum (Kofoid) Loeblich III
Protoperidinium nipponicum (Abe) Balech
Protopertdintum oceanicum (VanHoffen) Balech
Protoperidinium ovatum Pouchet
Protoperidinium pallidum (Ostenfeld) Balech
Protoperidinium pellucidun Bergh
Protoperidiniwn penduneulatum (Schutt) Balech
Protoperidinium pentagonwn (Gran) Balech
Protoperidinium quadridens (Stein) Balech
Protoperidiniun roseum (Paulsen) Balech
Protoperidinium sphaericum (Okamura) Balech
Protoperidinium steinii (Jorgensen) Balech
Protoperidinium sub-curvipes (Lebour) Balech
Protoperidinium subinerme (Paulsen) Balech
Pyrocystis fustformis £. bieoniea Kofoid
Pyrocystis Lunula Schutt

Pyrophacus sp.

Pyrophacus horologieum Stein

Sertppsiella trochoidea (Stein) Loeblich III

HAPTOPHYCEAE (Prymnesiophyceae)

Acanthotea aculeata Kamptner

Caletosolenta murrayi Gran
Chrysochromilina minor Parke and Manton

1x x KX ax

1x x AxX KAM

(XR RKRM KON

1x 1K xX be K Ie

Il

11x eM MM

1x xR EK M PERK IK '

xx

prix Quix

1x x

H
H
H

(xX OK KKK

IX LMM RM MM KRM KP ERR KKM KR IKK EK KR EK KM TK

Iv

x

1x 1M KKM MEM IKK LIM IKK KKK MD

xx KRM I

x


-23-

Table 1 (conti.)
I Ir Til

a
<

Nitaschia pacifica cupp .
Nitzschta proxima Hustedt

Nitzschta pungens Grunow

Nitasehia recta Grunow

Nitaschia sertata Cleve

Nitaschia sigma var. rigtda Grunow

Nitaschia spathulata Brebisson

1x OD x
x4
xx O1Ux

xx ax Ax

x
'

Paralia suleata (Ehrenberg) Cleve
Phaeodactylun tricornutum Bohlin
Pinnularia cruciformts (Donkin) Cleve
Pinnularia graciilma Gregory

Pirnularta trevelyana (Donkin) Cleve
Plagiogramma staurophorum (Gregory) Heilberg
Plagtogramma vanheurckit crunow
Planktoniella sol (Wallich) Schutt
Pleurosigma sp.

Pleurosigma angulatum (Quekett) W. Smith
Pleurosigma delicatulum w. Smith
Pleurosigma elongatwn W. Smith
Pleurostgma hamuliferum Brun
Pleurosigma naviculaceum Brebbisson
Pleurosigma nicobarteun (Grunow) Grunow
Pleurosigma normanit Ralfs

Pleurosigma rigidum W. Smith

Podostira sp.

' '
' U
1x ex

aa
1Ox %
1

xxx xe aN
a
xe KOT
1x eK EK MK

to
1x xx
1x x

xxXaQQ1AK
1

aed
t
xx xXx

1

1
x
x

Rhabdonema arcuatum (Lyngbye) Kutzing
Rhabdonema minutum Kutzing

Rhaphoneis amphiceros Ehrenberg

Rhaphonets surirella (Ehrenberg) Grunow
Rhizosolenia sp.

Rhizosolenia alata Brightwell

Rhizosolenta alata £. curvirostris Gran
-Rhizosolenta alata £. gractllima (Cleve) Grunow
Rhizosolenia alata £. indica (Peragallo) Gran
Rhizosolenia bergonit Peragallo

Rhizosolenia ealear-avis Schultze

Rhizosolenia castracanei Peragallo

Rhizosolenta eylindrus Cleve

Rhizosolenia delieatula Cleve

Rhizosolenia fragtlissima Bergon

Rhizosolenta hebetata £. hiemalis Gran
Rhizosolenta hebetata £. semispina (Hensen) Gran
Rhizosolenta imbricata Brightwell

Rhizosolenia imbricata var. shrubsoleit (Cleve) VanHeurck
Rhizosolenia robusta Norman

Rhizosolenia setigera Brightwell

Rhizosolenta stolterfothit Peragallo
Rhizosolenia styliformts Brightwell

tix x OX OK K
1OwWwrxex ixx 198 ro
(xX xem ror ix

IMM KM IM RK Om

1X AKXxXXOAX

QUDwWIxwoxxape
ax x 1x x
OxnWKXXXXX OOD

x ax


-7-

the shelf break. High cell concentrations were most consistently found at
the near shore stations, with wide ranges of abundance noted over the shelf.
Small-sized diatoms (e.g., Skeletonema costatun, Leptocylindrus danicus,
Asterioneltla glactalis) were the major components of the spring outburst,
the increased growth associated with the summer-early fall periods, and
those sites designed as high cell density areas. Later stages of growth
followed the classical pattern, dominated by Chaetoceros spp. and
Rhizosolenta spp. and the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. However,

in contract to the regional succession pattern, the shelf appears to be
composed of separate areas of dynamic growth and productive lethargy,
that were often out of phase with each other. The phytoplankton of the
shelf had not totally moved on cue, but rather were in various stages of
the growth and succession process. The areas with greatest potential for
growth were generally associated with regions of nutrient enrichment
and/or upwelling. Overshadowing these phytoplankton dynamics are the
broad, seasonal influences that will affect the initiation and continuance
of the major growth patterns observed.

Because the system is not specifically stereotyped in relation to specific
times when production peaks will occur over the shelf, certain seasonal
periods and sites are consistently more productive than others. Response
times for the various growth patterns observed are short, so that phyto-
plankton composition may serve as an index to productivity quality and
food source potential of a particular water mass, which may be easily
monitored through both direct sampling and airborne sensory procedures.
Due to the fluorescent properties to be defined (Johnson and Harris, 1980)
and associated with phytoplankton asemblages derived from analysis of sea
truth collections (Jarrett et al., 1981; Farmer, 1981). The use of
phytoplankton to monitor the Chesapeake Bay plume over the continental
shelf was reported by Marshall (1981). For three different seasons, the
waters from the Chesapeake Bay were distinguished from adjacent shelf
waters on the basis of the different seasonal assemblages that were
present. Areas of most intense mixing, and the apparent remnants of past
flow pulses from the Bay could also be identified. The present study and
previous work in this area support the feasibility of utilizing phytoplankton
assemblages to characterize different water masses over the shelf, that may
differ in water quality and productive potential. Since the shelf is so
extensive and subject to a vast array of variables that influence phyto-
plankton growth over short periods of time, a combination of sea surface
collections to define the in situ phytoplankton assemblages and remotely
sensed information to define the distribution and movement of the various
water masses is needed to interpret the relationships of phytoplankton to
essential food chains of economically significant fauna. We intend to
blend remote sensing information with our present data on phytoplankton
assemblage distribution in order to better define the distribution and
abundance of phytoplankton over the continental shelf from Cape Hatteras
to Nova Scotia in relationship to seasonal and temporal distribution and
abundance of living marine resources.



-10-

PARKE, M. and P. S. DIXON.
1976. Checklist of British marine algae. Third revision. J. Mar.
Biol. Ass. U. K. 56: 527-594. :

PRATT, D.
1959. The phytoplankton of Narragansett Bay. Limnol. Oceanogr. 9:
425-440.

RILEY, G. A.
1952. Phytoplankton of Block Island Sound, 1949. Bull. Bingham
Oceanogr. Coll. 13: 40-64.

SEARS, M.
1941. Notes on the phytoplankton on Georges Bank in 1940. J. Mar.
Res. 4: 247-257. :

VanLANDINGHAM, S. L.
1967-1979. Catalogue of the fossil and recent genera and species of
diatoms and their synonyms. Vols. 1-8. J. Cramer Co., W. Germany.