Seasonal variation of water-column light utilization efficiency for primary production in Saroma-ko Lagoon

In Saroma-ko Lagoon, where scallop aquaculture is a thriving commercial activity, monitoring primary production is essential for determining the amount of scallops that can be farmed. Using the primary production data obtained so far, we calculated Ψ, an index of water-column light utilization efficiency, and clarified its seasonal variation. Ψ tended to be lower in the spring bloom season (February–April), and higher in the late autumn to winter (October–December). Low chlorophyll-normalized production, an index of growth rate, resulted in lower values, while low daily irradiance resulted in higher values. The values of Ψ from our study had a range of 0.05–1.42 gC gChl-a−1 mol photons−1 m2 (N = 56). These values were within the previously reported range of 0.07–1.92 (gC gChl-a−1 mol photons−1 m2) for seawater and fresh water worldwide. Therefore, it is likely that Ψ varies from 0.05–2 gC gChl-a−1 mol photons−1 m2, being affected by conditions of phytoplankton growth and sunlight intensity, regardless of whether samples are collected from seawater or fresh water. Using the median Ψ value of 0.45 gC gChl-a−1 mol photons−1 m2 obtained in this study, primary production was 0.3–3.5 times the actual production at Saroma-ko Lagoon. Using this method, primary production can be easily and constantly monitored, facilitating the sustainable development of scallop aquaculture.