Abstract
Phytoplankton samples were collected in Acapulco Bay during 2011 (January-April and September) and 2012 (April-July, October, and November) with the objective of determining the abundance and species composition. Samples were collected in two stations located in the bay. A total of 82 species were identified: 42 dinoflagellates, 35 diatoms, three cyanobacteria, and two silicoflagellates. Dinoflagellates were more abundant in the dry season, while diatoms dominated during rainy season. At least seven dinoflagellate species were recorded as potentially toxic, which may increase their populations and turn into harmful algal blooms (HABs) if environmental conditions within the bay are modified. In April 2012 a HAB of the non-toxic species Neoceratium balechii was documented.
Highlights
Phytoplankton is one of the most complex communities in marine coastal environments
Phytoplankton samples were collected in Acapulco Bay between January-April and September 2011, and April-July, October, and November 2012
Phytoplankton species distribution was established based on a review of published records for Mexico and other countries, and each species was classified as: 1) estuarine; 2) neritic; 3) adiaphoric or 4) oceanic
Summary
Phytoplankton is one of the most complex communities in marine coastal environments. This community’s structure is dictated by two important groups of organisms: i) non-motile, fast-growing diatoms; and ii) motile flagellates and dinoflagellates which can migrate vertically in the water column in response to light. All phytoplankton species are subject to water currents and have developed strategies for rapid nutrient absorption and fast reactions to fluctuations in hydrographic conditions [1]. How to cite this paper: Moreno-Díaz, G., Rojas-Herrera, A.A., Violante-González, J., González-González, J., Acevedo, J.L.R. and Ibáñez, S.G. (2015) Temporal Variation in Composition and Abundance of Phytoplankton Species during 2011 and 2012 in Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Open Journal of Marine Science, 5, 358-367.
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