Studies on the phytoplankton of the west coast of India Part II. Physical and Chemical Factors Influencing the Production of Phytoplankton, with Remarks on the Cycle of Nutrients and on the Relationship of the Phosphate Content to Fish Landing

Abstract

IN the first part of this series of studies, the biological investigations on phytoplankton and zooplankton crop, their interrelationships, the magnitude of the standing crop, an assessment of total phytoplankton production and its relationship to fish landings, etc., were reported. In the present account, the environmental factors, physical (such as temperature of the water, light intensity, ocean currents, wind force, etc.) as well as chemical (such as salinity of the water, nutrient salts-phosphates, nitrates, silicates-dissolved oxygen, etc.) are described and their bearing on the fertility of the waters, phytoplankton production, and to fish landings discussed.