A NOTE ON SALINITY AND OXYGEN STRATIFICATION IN THE MARINA DA GAMA, ZANDVLEI

Abstract

Ten months data (March to December, 1983), on temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen are reported for two canals within the Marina Da Gama, Zandvlei, a coastal lake periodically open to the sea. They show that although there was minimal temperature stratification, pronounced salinity and oxygen stratification occurred. This stratification is enhanced by dense Potamogeton pectinatus L. growth, wind-protection, and poor circulation caused by several design features of the Marina. The implications of these observations for marina design and management are discussed.