Primary production is a measure of the rate of organic matter generation by photosynthesis, providing the base level of energy input to the food web.
The figure at right is a systems diagram of estuarine processes based on primary production (modified from McIntire et al. 1983).
Structures that affect primary production:
Plankton
Scrub-Shrub Forest
Emergent Marsh
Mud/Sand Flat
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
Ecosystem functions that are affected by primary production:
Water Quality Maintenance
Salmonid Production
Other Fish Production
Biodiversity Maintenance
