IMIS

Sampling Methods The samples were collected from 1 m depth with a Hydro-bios sampler equipped with an inverted thermometer. For species identification and enumeration samples were fixed with Lugol’s solution (without acetic acid), settled in 50-ml sedimentation chambers. Samples for nutrient analysis were filtered (0.2 mm Millipore filter), dispensed into 100 mL polyethelene bottles and kept continuously under deep freeze (-20oC) until their analysis in the laboratory. Samples (0.5–1 L) for chlorophyll a analysis were collected from each sampling station, filtered immediately through Whatman GF/F filters and kept deep frozen till the day of analysis in the laboratory by a TURNER AU-10 fluorometer. Study Extent : Phytoplankton was studied in four gulfs of Aegean sea [Saronikos Gulf, Evoikos Gulf, Pagassitikos Gulf and Thermaikos Gulf] during the years 2002-2003. Quality Control : Stations were plotted on Google earth and errors were corrected. Taxonomic quality control was done using the online taxon match tool of WoRMS. STRATEGY from the EU under contract EVK3-CT-2001-0004609;2001-09/2004