Distribution patterns of zooplankton communities around Iceland in spring

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of zooplankton composition and abundance based on sampling over the depth range 0-50 m at nine transects (61 stations) during a hydrobiological survey of Icelandic waters in May-June 1992. Zooplankton abundance and species distribution is considered in relation to water masses and topography. The biomass of zooplankton was highest in the oceanic areas northeast of Iceland [∼8-20 g dry weight (dw) m −2 ], whereas the lowest values were generally observed in the offshore areas southeast, south and southwest of Iceland (<2 g dw m −2 ). Over the shelves, the values tended to be intermediate (∼2-5 g dw m −2 ). In total, 93 species and identification groups were identified in the samples. Calanus finmarchicus was by far the most abundant species [about half of the total numbers of zooplankton if Calanus spp. nauplii (∼20%) are included]. Less numerous groups were Oithona spp., cirripede larvae, euphausiid larvae (nauplii, calyptopis and furcilia stages), larvaceans, Pseudocala...