Changes in plankton dynamics and biodiversity in the oligotrophic Bay of Calvi (Corsica, Northwestern Mediterranean): response to climate change

The development of the winter-spring phytoplankton bloom is investigated in the Bay of Calvi (Corsica, Ligurian Sea, Northwestern Mediterranean) since 1979. A drastic reduction of phytoplankton biomass is evidenced over the last three decades. Changes in phytoplankton dynamics and biodiversity are discussed in relation to long-term changes in wind stress, NAO conditions and environmental conditions. As a consequence, time-series results enlighten that the entire food web dynamics is affected and that ecosystem resilience is threatened.