Whole Curonian Lagoon in the southeast Baltic Sea during the period 1980-1992 (data set limits: 54 54 - 55 44N; 20 37 - 21 16E); Northern Curonian Lagoon since 1993 (data set limits: 55 16 - 55 44N; 21 01 - 21 17E)

Phytoplankton generic abundance in water bodies; Phytoplankton taxonomic abundance in water bodies

Discrete water samplers; optical microscopes

The aim of the research is to investigate the community structure of the phytoplankton of the Curonian Lagoon, to evaluate year-to-year and seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton communities, as well as trends in phytoplankton development. The main objectives of the researches: to study phytoplankton species composition, to determine its abundance and biomass, to study algal bloom dynamics, to distinguish potentially toxic species of the phytoplankton, etc. From 1980 to 1992 research was carried out in a wide net of stations in the whole Curonian Lagoon, since 1993 - in the north part of the Lagoon which belongs to Lithuania using expedition cutter 'Gintaras'. In accordance with the national Curonian Lagoon monitoring programme phytoplankton sampling is carried out three times a year (spring, summer, autumn), in some stations - every month (except winter season). The samples are taken from the surface water layer. Preservation of material is performed according to HELCOM (1988) by microscopic method. The data are fully quality controlled. Systematic certification of laboratories, participation in international intercalibrations, internal control, introduced managing system for research' quality determine quality of data. All data is stored in archive (in written form) and is saved on hard disk.

Dr. I.Olenina (1998) Areas of the Kurshiu Marios Lagoon and the south-eastern Baltic coastal zone distinguished by the structures of the spring phytoplankton and complexes of plankton algae there / The environmental status of the Baltic Sea and Kurshiu Marios Lagoon (Articles in Lithuanian with English summaries), Virginija Cizauskiene

Department of Marine Research of the Environmental Protection Agency
Taikos Av. 26
Klaipeda

LT-91149
Lithuania