Spatial distribution of the phytoplankton in the northern Gulf of California

Abstract

A study of the phytoplankton in the northem Gulf of California was carried out in early 1988. Samples were collected from six depths (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 m), and integrated into a single sample per station location to determine the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton. Locations South of Tiburón Island presented a greater stratification of the water column and a greater abundance of diatoms, with dominance of the species Thalassiothrix frauenfeldii. However, Ballenas Channel seems to be a dynamic region which generates the necessary and indispensable nutrients for the activity of phytoplankton.

Keywords

• Gulf of California
• spatial variability of phytoplankton
• main species
• size fractions