Western Channel Observatory benthic flux survey (Cawsand, Jennycliff, L4 and Rame) primary production and chl-a data (2008 - 2011)

PML Benthic Survey primary production and chlorophyll-a at 4 different study sites off Plymouth, South West England, between 2008 and 2011.

(1) Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Primary production rates and chlorophyll-a concentration were determined in near surface waters at 4 coastal stations close to Plymouth between July 2008 and May 2011. Rates of net primary production (light minus dark incubations) were lowest during winter months (minimum 0.08 µg C L^-1 h^-1) and generally highest over the summer between May and September though maximum rate was recorded in March 2011 (19.6 µg C L^-1 h^-1), median value 3.21 µg C L^-1 h^-1. Similarly Chlorophyll concentration was low during winter (minimum 0.24 µg L^-1) and highest during summer (maximum 5.13 µg L^-1), median value was 0.87 µg L^-1.