Program

Ocean productivity is mostly influenced by nutrient levels. In this study, we conducted dilution technique to estimate the nutrient utilization in surface sea water in northern South China Sea (NSCS). The phytoplankton growth and microzooplankton grazing was investigated between Dec 2013 to Jul 2015 (Dec 2013, Mar 2014, May 2014 and Jul 2015) on four cruises. The study area covers the whole NSCS and is of complex hydrographic characteristics which are influenced by both Pear River input and coastal upwelling. According to our results, the effect of nutrient enrichment on phytoplankton growth was different due to distinct in site hydrologic condition.