Background
During the winter phase from November to February, there is low diversity and low production, with chlorophyll concentrations close to zero. The lowest levels are found in the ice free areas in the northern parts. During this period there are sufficient nutrients for growth, but the absent of clear stratification and light prevent large production. The species that are present are cosmopolitan representatives of dinoflagellates (Dinophyceae), large armed forms as Protoperidinium, Ceratium, Dinophysis (Protoperidinium depressum, Ceratium longipes, Ceratium tripos, Dinophysis norvegica) and athecate forms from the genus Gymnodinium and Gyrodinium and occasionally diatoms (Bacillariophyceae).
Physical variation in the Barents Sea is likely to affect seabirds both directly and indirectly. Direct influence works primarily through the effects of temperature, wind and precipitation during the breeding season, and through extreme weather outside the breeding season. Temperature and wind affect the birds’ energy budget, and changes in these factors can impose great energy costs on the birds....
