Conclusions

This chapter provided an overview of the factors that trigger a phytoplankton bloom as well as an introduction to the data, techniques, and analysis tools used to study these blooms.

The Gulf of Maine is a complex marine ecosystem. Many factors interplay almost simultaneously to create a phytoplankton bloom and our understanding of these factors is incomplete. While we can't know precisely When Dinner is Served in the ocean, using the same data and tools scientists use to study these blooms we can make a reasonable prediction as to the timing, and in the process, gain a better appreciation of this unique oceanographic phenomenon.