Benthic microalgal production in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA

Abstract

Gross benthic microalgal production averaged 24.9 mg C m-2 h-1, compared to average integrated water column production of 27.4 mg C m-2 h-1. Sediment respiration rates averaged 18.1 mg C m-2 h-1. Benthic microalgal biomass averaged 36.4 mg chl a m-2, and always exceeded integrated phytoplankton biomass, which averaged 8.2 mg chl a m-2. Benthic microalgae had much lower average assimilation numbers than phytoplankton (0.8 vs 5.2 mg C (mg chl a). Benthic microalgae make a significant contribution to total shelf production in Onslow Bay. Open sand bottom habitats in this ecosystem must now be viewed as productive, rather than relatively barren. -from Authors