EPIBENTHIC ALGAL PRODUCTION IN AN INTERTIDAL MUDFLAT

Abstract

Epibenthic algal production in an estuarine mudflat was measured during 1968 by a 14 C method. Seasonal production was correlated with solar radiation, temperature, and standing crop of functional chlorophyll, but not with the amount of organic carbon. Standing crop of living plant material in the sediments was equivalent to 15% of organic carbon in summer and 10% in winter. Annual production (31 g C/m 2 ) was equivalent to about a third of mean organic carbon in the sediments.