Nutrient limitation in Ellis Fjord, eastern Antarctica

• Published in: Polar Biology
• Main Authors: McMinn, A, Gibson, JAE, Hodgson, DA, Ashman, J
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Springer-Verlag 1995
• Subjects: Biological Sciences; Ecology; Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology); Ellis Fjord; Antarc*; Antarctica; Polar Biology; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00239847; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/5276

The occurrence of high chlorophyll-a concentrations (up to 11.6gl-1) at shallow depths within Ellis Fjord, eastern Antarctica, during spring and summer, coincided with the development of a stratified water column. Macronutrient concentrations during periods of high chlorophyll-a levels were very low. Phosphate concentrations decreased to 0.2 M, nitrate to 0.4 M and silicate to 3.9 M. High rates of nutrient depletion early in the season can be explained by strong sea-ice algal mat development. An Si:N:P uptake ratio of 25.5:13.8:1 indicates a strong demand for silicate. Minimum silicate levels were below those necessary for maximum diatom growth and probably contributed to the successional shift from diatoms to phytoflagellates. 1995 Springer-Verlag.