As the warmer season progresses, more Zooplankton  appears in the plankton community. This includes large copepods (Center), many fish and invertebrate larva, medium-sized crab larva and water fleas (Cladocera) and the curious v-shaped larva of echinoderms.
	Phytoplankton populations are grazed by zooplankton, and their population decreases. Most invertebrates in the sea (As many as 90%) and many fishes spend part of their life as plankton. Meroplankton are creatures that eventually settle to the bottom to live (Benthic), or become free-swimming (Nektonic).
	Holoplankton spend their whole life drifting. Some like jellyfish (Cnidaria) protect themselves from grazing by camouflage, or being transparent or stinging cells (Nematocysts - or "thread bladders") which are unique to Cnidarians.
	Veligar larva of snails (Gastropods) and clams (Pelycepods) are also common in the early summer plankton community. Molluscs are some of the most important commercial resources in the bay (Hard clams - Mercenaria) and ocean (Surf clams - Spisula and squid - Loligo). Later in the summer, the water begins to look reddish (Forel-Ule scale XIX-XXI) as different plankton become abundant.
	In the late summer, Dinoflagellates increase in numbers and sometimes cause Red Tides. These blooms can affect fish populations, water quality and even human health. Noctiluca (Left) is one of the largest single-celled creatures (1.0 mm). It is harmless, but interesting because it is bioluminescent and like the fire-fly on land, can produce cold light. These and comb jellies (Ctenophores) can make the waters of the bay glow at night.
	Larva of polychaete worms (Annelids) are abundant in summer plankton catches. Adults also swim at night when they are less likely to be eaten by fishes. Some, like the clam worm (Nereis) are free living and called "errant polychaetes." Others, like the tube worms (Hydroides) construct a limey or sandy tube for protection.
Images courtesy of OIPL (Ocean Institute Plankton Lab)