II-C-5 



Stowe, W.C. 1972. Community structure and production of the epiphytic 



algae in the Barataria Bay area of Louisiana. M.S. Thesis. Louisiana 



State University. 84 pp. 



Annual primary production and community respiration were determined 

 for the epiphytic algae associated with Spartina alterni flora Loisel., 

 in the southwestern Barataria Bay area of Louisiana. Changes in produc- 

 tion and respiration were related to changes in the algal standing 

 crop. 



The epiphytes were divided into two communities: (1) those associ- 

 ated with the Spartina located at the water's edge (the grass-water 

 interface) and (2) those associated with the Spartina located 1.5 

 meters inland from the water's edge. 



Structurally, the presence of macroscopic algae at the water's edge 

 and their absence inland was one of the most noticeable differences 

 between the two locations. At the microscopic level distinct diatom 

 communities were observed at the two locations. 



The two locations were very different with regard to productivity. 

 The water's edge community exported 16.06 g C/m^ annually, whereas 

 the inland community required the import of 63.44 g C/m2 annually for 

 maintenance. (A. A.) 



Keywords: community structure, productivity, algae, Spartina , Louisiana 



II-C-6 



Gallagher, J.L. 1973. The significance of the surface film in plankton 

 primary production in a salt marsh. Journal of Phycology 9(Suppl.):8. 



The significance of the surface film on the water overlying a 

 Georgia salt marsh was compared with that of the water column below 

 with respect to numbers of algal cells, chlorophyll content and primary 

 production. Surface film was collected by its adhesion to glass for 

 the cell counts and chlorophyll determinations (fluorometric) and on 

 Nitex cloth for productivity studies. Cell counts and chlorophyll 

 were highest in the surface film on the rising tide with a sharp 

 increase occurring just before high tide. At maximum development the 

 surface film was at least several orders of magnitude richer in 

 chlorophyll than the water beneath on an equal volume basis. Area 

 comparisons were also made assuming various water depths. As the tide 

 ebbed the film adhered to the plant and soil surfaces. During maximum 

 currents there was little difference between the surface film and the 

 water column in the larger creeks. Primary production studies indicated 

 the cells (primarily pennate diatoms) in the surface film were not 

 senescent and were photosynthetically active. (A. A.) 



Keywords: primary production, plankton, salt marshes, Georgia 



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