| dc.description.abstract | This study was conducted in the Pemba Channel off Tanga Region in northern Tanzania to investigate physical and
chemical factors that drive changes in phytoplankton biomass. Three transects off Mwaboza, Vyeru and Sahare were
selected. For each transect, ten stations were sampled. Phytoplankton biomass was determined as chlorophyll-a
(Chl-a) concentration. Similarly, physico-chemical variables (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and nutrients) were determined. It was observed that the Chl-a concentration was significantly higher during the northeast
monsoon (median 1.44 mg m-3) as compared to the southeast monsoon (median 1.19 mg m-3; W = 2216, p = 0.029).
The higher productivity during the northeast monsoon is attributed to the presence of high-nutrient water caused
by coastal upwelling. It is concluded that indication of upwelling, observed through relatively low temperatures
during the northeast monsoon season, could be responsible for bringing nutrient-rich waters to the surface, which
in turn stimulated the increase in Chl-a concentration. | en_US |
