Nanoplankton abundance, Florida Panhandle Bight Shelf, 2012-2013

Calcareous nannoplankton are important photosynthetic protist constituents of the base of the food chain in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Because of their diversity and abundance they can be utilized as indicator organisms to help identify shifts in GOM water properties. However, no quantitative studies have been published on nannoplankton abundance and seasonal variability in this region. Most studies rely heavily on numerical modeling and long-term, acoustic-based ship-board analysis. We are undergoing an investigation and interpretation of variation in nannoplankton assemblages post Macondo well blow-out.