MEPS 341:299-301(2007)  -  doi: 10.3354/meps341299

Top-down control of phytoplankton by oysters in Chesapeake Bay, USA: Reply to Newell et al. (2007)

Lawrence R. Pomeroy1,*, Christopher F. D’Elia2, Linda C. Schaffner3

1Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602-2202, USA
2Center for Science and Policy Applications for the Coastal Environment, University of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue S., St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5016, USA
3Department of Biological Science, School of Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia 23062, USA
*Email:

ABSTRACT: Recently published models, which allow for spatial and temporal matching of oyster and phytoplankton populations in mainstream Chesapeake Bay, support the conclusion of Pomeroy et al. (2006; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 325:301–309) that oysters cannot, and could not, control the spring blooms that are the ultimate cause of summer hypoxia. We enlarge upon our earlier exposition of how top-down and bottom-up processes interact in Chesapeake Bay to permit the occurrence of phytoplankton blooms in spring, but not in summer.


KEY WORDS: Oyster · Hypoxia · Filter-feeders · Phytoplankton blooms


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Published in MEPS Vol. 341. Publication date: July 04, 2007
Print ISSN: 0171-8630; Online ISSN: 1616-1599
Copyright © 2007 Inter-Research.