Phytoplankton phenology paradox in an isolated tropical lagoon of the northern Red Sea.

ABSTRACT: Coastal lagoons are shallow water bodies connected through narrow inlets, and their varying hydrographic conditions lead to distinct ecological characteristics providing important ecosystem services. Sharma is a restricted coastal lagoon (∼150 km²) surrounded by pristine coral reefs in the northern Red Sea (NRS), and it holds significant value as it is part of Saudi Arabia's NEOM ongoing gigaproject. Previous research revealed a remarkable anomalous phytoplankton seasonality within the lagoon compared to the rest of the NRS waters, with the lagoon exhibiting a late summer peak, opposite to the winter/spring peak in open waters. Here we aim to identify the physical mechanisms driving this phytoplankton phenology paradox and support informed decision-making for the lagoon's future

SUBMITTER: Papagiannopoulos N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12475244 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature