Composition, Abundance and Population Structure of Spring-Time Zooplankton in the Shelf-Zone of Laptev Sea

Abstract

New evidence was received concerning the composition, distribution and abundance of zooplankton in May-June 1996 in the shelf area of Laptev Sea. The minimal depth of area is 6 m, the maximum 33 m. As measured at various stations, ice thickness ranges between 1.20 and 2.07 m. Species diversity of spring-time zooplankton is represented by 23 taxa of marine, brackishwater and freshwater species. Average abundance of zooplankton across the examined area in May amounted to 155 individuals per m3. From records of most stations, brackishwater plankton (mass species Drepanopus bungei) was predominantly abundant, being at the time in the stage of reproduction. Induced by spring flood, variations in hydrologic conditions in June have resulted in quantitative and qualitative changes in zooplankton community. Brief analysis of the population structure and development biology of some mass species in the shelf zone of Laptev Sea was made on the basis of previous and newly obtained data.