LONG-TERM PRODUCTION CHANGES IN THE ADRIATIC

Long-term fluctuations and trends in the rate of primary production we re observed in the middle Adriatic Sea. Variability in the production rate was caused by oceanographic and meteorological factors affecting the advection of the Mediterranean waters in the Adriatic on a long-te rm scale. Particular attention is given to a sudden and prolonged incr ease in primary production that started in 1978. This increase is rela ted to the enhanced advection of the Mediterranean waters (richer in n utrients) into the Adriatic. Increased advection of Mediterranean wate rs to the Adriatic can be attributed to global climatic changes.