THE PLANKTON IN ST. ANDREWS BAY 9 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 39b 



dorsal, the other two forming a ventral pair. Here, therefore, we have an ap- 

 paratus of fixation precisely comparable to that of the starfish larva, which, by 

 the way, is known as Brachiolaria, on account of its adhesive arms. The three 

 adhesive arms of Brachiolaria and the three adhesive processes of the Ascidian 

 tadpole are only comparable as physiological mechanisms of like nature, though of 

 independent origin. 



The few remarks offered, bearing upon certain aspects of the zooplankton of 

 St. Andrew's bay, as it appeared in July and August, although without any pre- 

 tence of completeness, may serve as an indication of the results that Would follow 

 from an extended and organised survey embracing the whole of Pasamaquoddy 

 bay and continued from year to year. To make such a survey effective, what 

 may be called the resident or benthonic (bottom-dwelling) fauna and flora should 

 be known with some degree of thoroughness; and in fact that is in course of being 

 worked out by the temporary staff of biologists at the station. 



Special attention would naturally be given to the leading planktonic types; 

 and an attempt would be made to bring the records into line with the 

 existing data concerning the northern plankton. This is really an ambitious 

 scheme requiring much preparation in matters of detail ; but it offers a programme 

 worthy of consideration. 



The microscopic plants or algae which make up the phytoplankton are 

 enormously abundant in our region, and as these constitute the fount of all life 

 in the sea, their importance for the fisheries is clear enough. The northern 

 diatoms have been observed to accumulate on the under surface of the ice where 

 they form a vast brownish incrustation [E. Vanhoffen]. If the biological station 

 could be kept open the year round, there is no doubt that much could be found 

 out as to what goes on under the ice-sheet. 



In conclusion it may be stated with confidence that the seasonal, diurnal, 

 and tidal fluctuations of the plankton in St. Andrew's bay, would well repay a 

 more intensive investigation than has hitherto been accorded. 



