[en] Coccolithophores, among which Emiliania huxleyi (Ehux) is the most abundant and widespread species, are the dominant calcifying phytoplankton in the temperate zone of the world’s oceans. The continental margin in the Northern Bay of Biscay (North Atlantic Ocean) was visited in June 2004 during a multidisciplinary investigation of a late-spring bloom dominated by Ehux. Field sampling was assisted by daily transmission to the RV Belgica of remote sensing images, indicating the bloom development in the area. Primary production and calcification were measured by 14C incubations and zooplankton grazing experiments were performed. Vertical distributions of transparent exopolymer (TEP) concentration and bacterial density, as well as the bacterial production in surface waters, were also determined to elucidate the fate of biogenic carbonate production. The organic and inorganic carbon fluxes are evaluated in terms of relevant processes and discussed in relation with the DIC and nutrient dynamics.
