Hydrographic Observations in the Eastern Irish Sea With Particular Reference to the Distribution of Nutrient Salts

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONStudies on the physical hydrography of the Irish Sea, based mainly on temperature and salinity observations, have been made by Bowden (1955) and Lee (1960). The current systems in various parts of the Irish Sea have been investigated by Bowden & Sharaf El Din (1966), Harvey (1968), Ramster & Hill (1969) and Hill & Ramster (1971). Various smaller-scale physical observations made by other workers have been listed by the above authors.There are not as many references in the literature to the distribution of nutrient salts in the Irish Sea. Jones & Haq (1963) measured phosphate in Liverpool Bay as part of an investigation into the distribution of the alga Phaeocystis. Slinn & Offlow (1968) have made regular routine measurements of phosphate, nitrate and silicate over a number of years off Port Erin, Isle of Man. Ewins & Spencer (1967) measured phosphate, organic phosphorus, nitrate and silicate in the Menai Straits, and Liss (1969) surveyed the distribution of silicate in the western Irish Sea.During recent years the Fisheries Laboratory at Lowestoft has investigated the distribution and ecology of plankton and larval plaice in the Irish Sea, and a supporting programme of both physical and chemical hydrographic observations has been made in the area. Ramster & Hill (1969) and Hill & Ramster (1971) have summarized the results of the Lowestoft current measurements. The present paper describes an investigation into the distribution of temperature, salinity, phosphate, nitrate and silicate. The occurrence of Phaeocystis is also reported as an extension of the earlier work by Jones & Haq (1963).