Effects of a simulated marine heatwave on the structure and composition of Mediterranean plankton in a mesocosm study.

ABSTRACT: Coastal marine systems are particularly affected by marine heatwaves (MHW), which affect organisms, including plankton communities, that are essential for ecosystem function and productivity. To study their effects on plankton food web components, an in situ mesocosm experiment was conducted in Thau Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea, South France) from May to June 2019. The two conditions were applied in triplicate. A MHW of + 3 °C above the natural lagoon water temperature was applied to three mesocosms and maintained for the first 10 days of the experiment. Afterward heating was discontinued, and temperatures returned to ambient levels for the remaining 10 days. The other three mesocosms were maintained at natural water temperatures throughout the experiment. Phytoplankton responded positively t

SUBMITTER: Eglaine Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12637984 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature