Phytoplankton distribution along the eastern coast of the USA. I. Phytoplankton composition

The composition of phytoplankton and the general distribution patterns of the major taxonomic groups are discussed for the eastern coastal waters of the USA. A species list of 609 phytoplankters is given with dominant cold- and warm-water forms noted along the coast. The ubiquitous species along the east coast were Skeletonema costatum, Thalassionema nitzschioides, and Coccolithus huxleyi.