Growth and grazing loss rates in single-celledPhaeocystis sp. (Prymnesiophyceae)

Abstract

Growth and grazing loss rates of naturalPhaeocystis sp. single cells were measured using a seawater dilution technique. Measurements were performed during an intensePhaeocystis sp. bloom in the North Sea between 19 April and 5 May 1988. Experimental results yielded rapid carbon turnover rates. Population growth rates varied from 0.033 to 0.098 h−1, grazing loss rates from 0.037 to 0.174 h−1. From measured growth rates, average doubling rages of 1.3 doublings d−1 were calculated. The growth rates would have resulted in maximum carbon production rates of 146 mg C m−3 d−1. Grazing rates increased in the course of the bloom and exceeded growth rates at the end. Grazing loss was caused primarily by microzooplankton feeding. Ciliates and heterotrophic dinoflagellates were identified as the major potential consumers of single cells ofPhaeocystis sp. at the beginning of the bloom. The grazing impact of larger microzooplankton species appeared to increase during the progressing bloom.