Diel variations of the bathymetric distribution of zooplankton groups and biomass in Cap-Ferret Canyon, France

Abstract

The bathymetric distribution, abundance and diel vertical migrations (DVM) of zooplankton were investigated along the axis of the Cap-Ferret Canyon (Bay of Biscay, French Atlantic coast) by a consecutive series of synchronous net hauls that sampled the whole water column (0–2000 m in depth) during a diel cycle. The distribution of appendicularians (maximum 189 individuals m −3), cladocerans (maximum 287 individuals m −3), copepods (copepods<4 mm, maximum 773 individuals m −3, copepods>4 mm, maximum 13 individuals m −3), ostracods (maximum 8 individuals m −3), siphonophores (maximum >2 individuals m −3) and peracarids (maximum >600 individuals 1000 m −3) were analysed and represented by isoline diagrams. The biomass of total zooplankton (maximum 18419 μg C m −3, 3780 μg N m −3) and large copepods (>4 mm maximum 2256 μg C m −3, 425 μg N m −3) also were determined. Vertical migration was absent or affected only the epipelagic zone for appendicularians, cladocerans, small copepods and siphonophores. Average amplitude of vertical migration was about 400–500 m for ostracods, some hyperiids and mysids, and large copepods, which were often present in the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones. Large copepods can constitute more than 80% of the biomass corresponding to total zooplankton. They may play an important role in the active vertical transfer of carbon and nitrogen.