Temporal and spatial distributions of nutrients under the influence of human activities in Sishili Bay, northern Yellow Sea of China

► Temporal and spatial distributions of nutrients in Sishili Bay were studied. ► Nutrients distributions have been related to seasonal, physical and human activity factors. ► Nutrient limitations changed from N in 1997 to P and Si in 2010. ► Nutrients changes resulted in the variation of phytoplankton composition.