Mixing and biological production at eddy margins in the eastern Gulf of Alaska

► We tested the hypothesis that mixing two water types results in stimulation of phytoplankton growth. ► Mixing of eddy/non-eddy waters resulted in higher algal standing stocks and productivity after 7 days. ► Mixing of eddy/non-eddy waters led to a shift in the plankton assemblage beyond simple mixing. ► Sufficient retention must be present when growth is stimulated for phytoplankton to accumulate in the field.