Primary Production of Phytoplankton and Benthic Primary Producers' Community in the South-Eastern Barents Sea under Conditions of Polar Day

Abstract

The daily dynamics of the primary producers' photosynthesis of the South-Eastern Barents Sea in the period of polar day was studied. The experimental work conducted in the Kola Bay coastal zone and on the Kola Section (33degrees30' E, 69-74degrees N). A modified oxygen method of light and dark bottles was used for the primary production estimation. Dissolved oxygen concentration was determined by Winkler. The microalgae photosynthetic activity is associated with daily PAR dynamics. All groups of marine algae retained circadian biological rhythms during polar day. The percentage of macrophytes accounted for major portion of the coastal primary production. Phytoplankton community produces about 1/3 of the total primary production. Phytoplankton starts taking the leading position as a primary organic matter producer towards the open sea. The level of primary production declines compared with the coastal area.