Picophytoplankton Diversity and Photoacclimation in the Strait of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea) in Summer. I. Mesoscale Variations

Phytoplankton dynamics were investigated at the mesoscale in the northern part of the Strait of Sicily in July-August 1997 on fractionated samples (3 µm) using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) pigment analysis and flow cytometry. Distribution, diversity and photoacclimation varied within the different water masses and features present at the time of sampling, including a surface filament of deep, cold water. Picophytoplankton (3 µm) appeared to respond to different cues. Chlorophyll pigment content per cell of Synechococcus, Prochlorococcus or picoeukaryotes was estimated by coupling pigment data with flow cytometric counts.JRC.H.3-Global environement monitorin