A deep protozoan maximum in the Gulf of Maine

Abstract

ABSTRACT: We found a deep maximum In the abundance of larger protozoans (>35 wm) in the Gulf of Maine at depths from 55 to 100 m, which was well below the euphotic zone, pycnocline, and the depths Our calculations of the energetics of peak biomass and production of both phytoplankton and bacter~a. of these protozoan populations suggest that they are unable to obtain sufficient nutrition from local microbial production. We discuss the possibility that organic material, which settles out of the surface layer, might collect at a deep hydrographic anomaly and sustaln the protozoans in the deep maximum. ton