Distribution and vertical dynamics of planktonic communities at Sofala Bank, Mozambique

Coastal ecosystem processes are largely influenced by the interaction of different factors operating at various temporal and spatial scales, specifically those responsible for primary production patterns that modulate zooplankton and subsequent trophic levels. Hydrological processes, such as tidal cycles and coastal currents, nutrients availability, phytoplankton groups (studied through algal pigment signatures analysed by HPLC), and zooplankton abundance and distribution were investigated at the Sofala Bank (Mozambique), with special emphasis on their horizontal distribution and vertical dynamics (48 h). Horizontal distribution has shown inshore-offshore gradients in all analysed parameters, as well as inshore waters intrusion probably related to Zambezi River delta runoff. Tidal currents were responsible for major hydrological vertical variations and for horizontal and vertical advection of phytoplankton biomass in the surface and deepest layers, respectively. Nutrient concentrations were typical from oligotrophic regions, and nutrient ratios were strongly influenced by depleted nitrate + nitrite concentrations, indicating low estuarine discharges typical from the dry season. The very low N:P ratio obtained suggests strong nitrogen limitation to phytoplankton communities, supporting the low phytoplankton abundance observed. Both phytoplankton pigments and zooplankton were found mainly near the bottom (40 m depth), despite the latter displayed vertical migrations triggered by light variations. Phytoplankton community was dominated by microflagellates, specifically prymnesiophyceans, and behaved as a whole, except Cyanobacteria that displayed vertical distribution movements different from other phytoplankton groups, being mainly concentrated at mid-water column depths (10-20 m). This investigation enhances physico-chemical phenomena and their importance determining the planktonic communities vertical dynamics at Sofala Bank, a tropical coastal ecosystem of the Western Indian Ocean where planktonic dynamics are still poorly described and understood.