Living coccolithophorids in surface waters of the Tsugaru Strait during March-September 2003

Abstract

Surface water samples were collected from a site TP03 in the Tsugaru Strait during March-September 2003. Cell density and species composition of living coccolithophorids in these samples were studied under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cell density maximum was shown in September 2003, which corresponded to a high sea surface temperature. A total of fourteen coccolithophorid species were recognized. Seasonally, the coccolithophorid assemblages in spring and early summer were dominated by Gephyrocapsa oceanica, whereas the assemblage in late summer was dominated by Emiliania huxleyi.