Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2022, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3): 164-171.doi: 10.11978/2021148CSTR: 32234.14.2021148

• Marine Biology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Analysis of the bloom caused by colonial Phaeocystis globosa in Mirs Bay

LIU Yue(), LI Li, ZHAI Xiaohui, ZHOU Juan, YE Penghao, HUANG Shengdong   

  1. Marine Development Research and Promotion Center of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518029, China
  • Received:2021-11-01 Revised:2021-12-18 Published:2021-12-23
  • Contact: LIU Yue E-mail:liuyue@pnr.sz.gov.cn
  • Supported by:
    Natural Science Foundation of China(41606176)

Abstract:

A bloom caused by giant colonies of Phaeocystis globosa was observed in Mirs Bay in late January 2021. To better understand the bloom dynamics and their controlling factors, in situ investigations on phytoplankton succession, colony numbers and size, inorganic nutrient concentrations, and other environmental factors were conducted from Jan. 20 to Feb. 1, 2021. The phytoplankton bloom, initiated by an early Skeletonema costatum bloom, was followed by a large bloom of P. globosa. Phytoplankton community was dominated by the population of Akashiwo sanguinea after the decline of P. globosa bloom. The maximum colony density observed during the P. globosa bloom was up to 69 colonies ·L-1, while colony diameters were up to 1.2 cm. Analytic results showed that ammonium and nitrate were the key environmental factors that initiated the P. globosa bloom. In addition, turbulence and competitive advantage over S. costatum under phosphate limitation might also play important roles in the occurrence of the bloom. The bloom of A. sanguine could be the major cause for the decline of P. globosa bloom. Overall, the P. globosa bloom was a combined result of various physical and chemical factors and biotical factors.

Key words: Mirs Bay, Phaeocystis globosa, bloom, environmental factors

CLC Number: 

  • X55