Are distinct particle spectra an indication of the state of the phytoplankton community in St Helena Bay?
Master Thesis
2012
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The potential of phytoplankton particle spectra to be used as the basis for an indicator of the suitability of feeding habitat for fish recruits in the Southern Benguela was investigated. Phytoplankton samples collected on regular cruises on the St Helena Bay Monitoring Line (SHBML) off Elands Bay on the west coast of South Africa had been analysed with the Coulter Counter and formed the basis of this study. Chlorophyll a content of phytoplankton samples was also measured on monthly cruises and with total particle concentration (determined by the Coulter Counter) showed that overall phytoplankton cells represented a significant portion (76%) of samples collected. Surface particle spectra were constructed for the 12 stations on the SHBML for each of 15 monthly cruises between September 2000 and February 2007.
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Crichton, M. 2012. Are distinct particle spectra an indication of the state of the phytoplankton community in St Helena Bay?. University of Cape Town.