Changes in zooplankton communities from epipelagic to lower mesopelagic waters. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stefanoudis, Paris V.; Rivers, Molly; Ford, Helen; Yashayaev, Igor M.; Rogers, Alex D.; Woodall, Lucy C.
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 146(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Bermuda -- Euphotic zone -- Twilight zone -- Community composition -- Copepods -- Biological carbon pump; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.02.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: Zooplankton form a trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic levels, and exert significant influence on the vertical transport of carbon through the water column ('biological carbon pump'). Using a MultiNet we sampled and studied mesozooplankton communities (i.e. >0.2 mm) from six locations around Bermuda targeting four depth zones: ∼0–200 m, ∼200–400 m, ∼400–600 m (deep-scattering layer), and ∼600–800 m. Copepoda, our focal taxonomic group, consistently dominated samples (∼80% relative abundance). We report declines in zooplankton and copepod abundance with depth, concurrent with decreases in food availability. Taxonomic richness was lowest at depth and below the deep-scattering layer. In contrast, copepod diversity peaked at these depths, suggesting lower competitive displacement in these more food-limited waters. Finally, omnivory and carnivory, were the dominant trophic traits, each one affecting the biological carbon pump in a different way. This highlights the importance of incorporating data on zooplankton food web structure in future modelling of global ocean carbon cycling. Highlights: Zooplankton and copepod abundance decreased from 0 to 800 m in Bermuda. Copepods dominated across all depths, followed by ostracods and chaetognaths. Zooplankton diversity dipped at 600–800 m, while the reverse was true for copepods. Omnivory and carnivory were the dominant trophic traits. Zooplankton food web structure should be considered in ocean carbon cycling models.