Phosphorus controls the growth of some phytoplankton species in the spring, especially in the tidal freshwater and brackish areas. Nitrogen is the prime limiting factor at higher salinities, particularly during warm months. Carbon dioxide limitations may control the rate of photosynthesis during algal blooms in tidal freshwater. The Bay's life support system depends on maintaining the delicate balance between the living and non-living components. Although the Chesapeake's potential production capacity is massive, it is also finite.
Problems affecting the simplest producers dramatically affect the survival of consumers.