Landscape pattern analysis of plankton in northern South China Sea

Based on the data from survey on fishery resources and their habitat environment in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of South China Sea conducted during 1997~2002 and sponsored by the state program of special marine survey(HY126-02), we analyzed the landscape pattern of plankton in northern South China Sea(NSCS) by using GIS spatial analysis model and mapping techniques.Results show that high plankton biomass areas patch along coastal waters, and the seasonal variation of their landscape pattern changes with monsoon and coastal monsoon flow.Furthermore, the areas generally enclose in several important upwelling areas and traditional fishing grounds in northern South China Sea coast.