Although this planktonic stage is only temporary, the larvae are a significant part of the community. These larvae are consumed by larger animals, and may, as they grow, consume copepods. Another group of zooplankton found in the Bay are the protozoa. These single-celled animals feed on detritus and bacteria. They, in turn, become food for larvae, copepods and larger protozoa.
Bacteria play an important function in the Bay.
They are essentially the decomposers. Their primary function is to break down dead matter, particularly plants. Through this process, nutrients in dead plant and animal matter again become available for growing plants. Bacteria are eaten by zooplankton and other filter-feeding animals in the Bay. Bacteria can be residents of the Bay or can be introduced through various pathways, including human sewage and runoff from the land.