Phytoplankton was sampled monthly during the lune 1995-May 1996 period, at 16 stations 01' the
castern Gulf ol' Cariaco. This arca reccives different wastes. Only chlorophyll and diatoms, dinoflagellates, and
total density 01' phytoplankton varied by depth. Only salinity and oxygen showcd horizontal spatial differcl1tiation.
Phytoplunkton maxima in November- December, were related with low nitrogenous nutrients and
tcmperature, high phosphate, chlorophyl1, and dissolved oxygen. The June-October pelÍod was characterized by
high temperature, low oxygen, nutrient conccntrations and phytoplankton abundancc. Overall, phytoplankton
aOllndanccswerc low. Diatoms dominated during the sampling period, but microt1agellates and dinot1agel1ates
liió occasionally. Phytoplankton density was positively cOlTelated with phosphate and ncgatively wilh nitrogen.
In spile 01' the high nlllrient suppJy, phytoplankton growth was limited by a redllced ligh! penetratiol1 relaled to
concentrations 01' suspended paIticles
