Suspended Matter available to higher trophic levels in the Marguerite Bay region, Western Antarctic Peninsula, during fall and winter of 2001 and 2002

Maria Vernet, Wendy Kozlowski, Karie Sines

Marine Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0218

Due to the low primary production measured during 2001 (see previous abstract) it was assumed that in situ production of carbon couldn’t provide adequate food source to zooplankton. A detailed study was carried out in the fall and winter of 2002 in order to quantify total suspended matter, both alive (as chlorophyll a) and detrital (suspended carbon and nitrogen). In addition, chla concentration at different size fractions was determined at selected stations on the shelf and in Marguerite Bay. Spatial and temporal distribution and variability of Chlorophyll a and POC as well as Carbon/Chlorophyll ratios will be provided. Winter values will be compared to summer values collected during January 2003.

STATUS UPDATE:

Title, abstract, and author list received on 06/15/05.