Low spring primary production and microplankton carbon biomass in Sub-Antarctic Patagonian channels and fjords (50–53°S)

It is relevant to understand the processes and factors that modulate the efficiency of the carbon pump throughout the ecosystem of Patagonian fjords. Spatial variability of primary productivity and bacteria-microplankton biomass was assessed in relation to inorganic nutrients and stratification across nearshore zones of southern Patagonia (50–53°S) in austral spring 2009. Estimates of primary productivity (300–500 mg C m−2 d−1) and phytoplankton biomass (9–180 mg chlorophyll-a m−2) were low at offshore and inshore waters. Synergistic effects of low silicic acid concentrations and poor light penetration because of salinity-driven stratification of glacier meltwater in springtime appeared to negatively affect phytoplankton carbon biomass and primary production in this sub-Antarctic region. The knowledge of the relative importance of nutrient sources and light is especially significant for Patagonian glacier-fjord systems that are expected to receive higher freshwater inputs and will be more stratified in the future