Ecohydrodynamical study of the Liguro-Proven Front (Corsica) III. Primary production and nutrients

Nutrients (nitrate, ammonia, silicate, phosphate) and primary production rates have been determined in the Liguro-Provençal front and adjacent water masses in March, June and October 1984. Nutrients vary seasonally in relation with the spring netphytoplankton bloom but also with the mixing and the stratification of the waters. Maxima of primary production are generally found in areas where nutrients supply and light utilization are favourable to the phytoplankton growth. Specific differences in the phytoplankton composition probably explain the productivity variations observed at some periods.