Variation in phytoplankton composition between two North Pacific frontal zones along 158°W during winter–spring 2008–2011

Abstract

Data from three research cruises along the 158°W meridian through the North Pacific Subtropical Frontal Zone (STF) during spring 2008, 2009, and 2011 were used to estimate phytoplankton functional types and size classes. These groups were used to describe phytoplankton composition at the North Pacific Subtropical (STF) and Transition Zone Chlorophyll (TZCF) Fronts, which represent ecologically important large-scale features in the central North Pacific. Phytoplankton class composition was consistent at each front through time, yet significantly different between fronts. The STF contained lower integrated chlorophyll-a concentrations, with surface waters dominated by picophytoplankton and a deep chlorophyll maximum equally comprised of pico- and nanophytoplankton. The TZCF contained significantly higher concentrations of nanophytoplankton through the water column, specifically the prymnesiophyte group. Integrated chlorophyll-a concentrations at the TZCF were 30–90% higher than at the STF, with the dominant increase in the signal from the nanophytoplanktonic prymnesiophyte group. The meridional position of the STF was consistently located near 32°N through these three years, with the more spatially variable TZCF ranging from 2° to 4° further north of the STF. This variability in the frontal position of the TZCF may lead to ecological impacts though the food web. Continued in-situ and remote monitoring, specifically during El Niño and ENSO neutral phases, will provide additional ecological information to help understand mechanistic causes of phytoplankton variability in this important ecological region.