The response of primary producers to nutrient enrichment in a shallow estuary

Shallow coastal systems worldwide are exhibiting increased algal growth in response to nutrient enrichment. This study evaluates primary production patterns in an estuarine system (Bass Harbor Marsh, Maine) receiving low levels of anthropogenic nitrogen. Biomass, areal coverage and in situ oxygen production of green macroalgae, Ruppia maritima, and phytoplankton were measured over a growing season to determine net ecosystem production. Macroalgae and Ruppia exhibited strong seasonal biomass curves with early summer peaks; however, peak biomass of macroalgae (150 g dwt m-2) was substantially greater than Ruppia (33 g dwt m-2). Phytoplankton biomass, measured as chlorophyll a, was low (