Phytoplankton of the Red Sea

Although the phytoplankton of the Red Sea has been studied since 1900, our information is still inadequate and information is scattered; the last review of the plankton was done by Halim (1969). The primary goal of this chapter is to give an overview of the phytoplankton of the entire Red Sea, not only of its composition and distribution, but also of the primary production and biomass. Earlier sources of information relating to both expeditions and individual works on this subject are considered in this review. The Red Sea is an oligotrophic basin characterized by special features due to its enclosed position. The phytoplankton of the entire Red Sea currently comprises 389 species and varieties, an increase of 181 species since Halim’s review. Both the Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba are less diverse than the main Red Sea. There is a gradual decrease in phytoplankton richness from the southern Red Sea to the Gulf of Suez. Primary production and chlorophyll biomass increases from north to south, consistent with the distribution of nutrients.

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