Summary
Both stations in the Skagerrak had low total cell abundance and low biodiversity. No indication of an upcoming spring bloom was found. Small cells dominated and different cells of cryptomonads were most commonly found. The diatom Skeletonema marinoi, commonly dominating the spring bloom was found in low amounts. The two stations in Kattegat had higher total cell numbers and also higher biodiversity but still no clear notion of a spring bloom. Among the larger cells the dinoflagellate Tripos lineatus was most numerous. The integrated chlorophyll concentrations were, generally speaking, in the lower region of what is normal for this month. Among the Baltic stations both low total cell numbers and low biodiversity were recorded. The communities were mainly dominated by small cells. Some chains of Skeletonema marinoi were observed at the stations located in the northern part as well as in Kalmar sound. The integrated chlorophyll concentrations were in the lower region of what is normal for this month.