Primary production by macroalgae in Kattegat, estimated from monitoring data, seafloor properties, and model simulations

The aim of the study was to estimate yearly macroalgal production in the Kattegat. The estimate was calculated from the abundance and distribution of nine of the most dominant macroalgal species, and from factors important for abundance, distribution and growth (e.g. bottom topography and sediment composition, irradiance, nitrogen concentrations and seawater temperature). The result showed that 6.6% of the Kattegat area is suitable for macroalgal growth. The estimated production was 4–514 g C m−2 year−1 depending on depth and sub-area. The total yearly production was estimated to 119×106 kg C y−1.