Contrasting patterns of phytoplankton assemblages in two coastal ecosystems in relation to environmental factors (Corsica, NW Mediterranean Sea)

Garrido, M., Koeck, B. , Goffart, A., Collignon, A., Hecq, J.-H., Agostini, S., Marchand, B., Lejeune, P. and Pasqualini, V. (2014) Contrasting patterns of phytoplankton assemblages in two coastal ecosystems in relation to environmental factors (Corsica, NW Mediterranean Sea). Diversity, 6(2), pp. 296-322. (doi: 10.3390/d6020296)

Abstract

Corsica Island is a sub-basin of the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, with hydrological features typical of both oligotrophic systems and eutrophic coastal zones. Phytoplankton assemblages in two coastal ecosystems of Corsica (the deep Bay of Calvi and the shallow littoral of Bastia) show contrasting patterns over a one-year cycle. In order to determine what drives these variations, seasonal changes in littoral phytoplankton are considered together with environmental parameters. Our methodology combined a survey of the physico-chemical structure of the subsurface water with a characterization of the phytoplankton community structure. Sampling provided a detailed record of the seasonal changes and successions that occur in these two areas. Results showed that the two sampled stations presented different phytoplankton abundance and distribution patterns, notably during the winter–spring bloom period. Successions in pico-, nano-, and microphytoplankton communities appeared mainly driven by differences in the ability to acquire nutrients, and in community-specific growth rates. Phytoplankton structure and dynamics are discussed in relation to available data on the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. These results confirm that integrated monitoring of coastal areas is a requisite for gaining a proper understanding of marine ecosystems.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study was supported by funding from the French Government and from the Corsican Regional Council. Marie Garrido was financially supported by a grant from the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse and the University of Corsica. We would like to thank all the STARESO team and the University of Liege (Belgium).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Koeck, Dr Barbara
• Authors: Garrido, M., Koeck, B., Goffart, A., Collignon, A., Hecq, J.-H., Agostini, S., Marchand, B., Lejeune, P., and Pasqualini, V.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Diversity
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1424-2818
• ISSN (Online): 1424-2818
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Diversity 6(2):296-322
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License