Discoloration of the sea due toCoccolithus huxley I“bloom”

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Abstract
In May-July 1955 a remarkable discoloration of the fjord and coastal waters in western Norway occurred. The phenomenon is attributed to an enormous concentration of the calcareous flagellate Coccolithus huxleyi, which was recorded in numbers up to 115 million cells per litre. Hydrographical and meteorological data from the areas concerned are presented and the possible causes of the irregular bloom of C. huxleyi are discussed. It would appear that a great influx of Atlantic water into the fjords caused a renewal and refertilization of the surface layers. This situation was favourable for an extraordinary plankton bloom, and the tentative conclusion is drawn that intensive illumination acted selectively on the species composition.