EUTROPHICATION ASSESSMENT OF THE KERKYRA SEA (NE IONIAN) BASED ON SEASONAL CHEMICAL, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Oceanographic studies were carried out in the Kerkyra Sea (N.E. Ionian ) from January 1991 up to May 1992, in order to assess the eutrophicat ion status of the area and the circulation of the water masses. The st udy area can be characterized as oligotrophic, although some enhanced concentrations of nutrients were measured during the winter period, du e to the higher water supply of the rivers. The chlorophyll alpha conc entrations were also tow and characteristic of oligotrophic waters. Ho rizontal distribution of the physical parameters presented meandering structures, which probably suggest corresponding structures in water c irculation.