Background:

Magdalena Bay is a subtropical coastal lagoon of northwestern Mexico with important ecological con siderations and numerous fisheries. Knowledge of hydrodynamics and water quality are essential for establishing best management practices for the Bay.

Goals:

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of the tide on the variation and transport of nutrients and chlorophyll a between the inner lagoon and the adjacent ocean as a fertilization mechanism in the area.

Methods:

Samples were obtained in June, August, and November 2005 at a site close to the mouth (24o 57´ N and 112o 03´ W). The samples were obtained every 2 hours during each tidal cycle at three different depths (0, 15, and 30 m). Temperature and salinity were measured using a CTD. Nutrients, chlorophyll a, and oxygen were measured at a laboratory.

Results:

Three climatic-oceanographic conditions were identified: upwelling (June), stratification (August), and negative effects during the ENSO (November). The correlation between tidal range and other variables was significant (p <0.05) in August, compared to June and November.

Conclusions:

The transport of net nutrients associated with the tidal cycle depends on the season and the state of the tide and is considered high compared to other smaller systems. This explains the high organic productivity in this coastal region.