Abstract
In the present work, possible long-term changes in the planktonic cnidarian community were investigated by analyzing (1) species and community spatial distribution patterns, (2) variations in abundance and (3) changes in species richness during three mesoscale surveys representative of the climatic and anthropogenic changes that have occurred during the last three decades (years: 1983, 2004 and 2011) in the NW Mediterranean. These surveys were conducted during the summer (June) along the Catalan coast. All surveys covered the same area, used the same sampling methodology, and taxonomic identification was conducted by the same team of experts. An increase in the abundance of total cnidaria was found from 1983 to 2011. The siphonophore Muggiaea atlantica and the hydromedusa Aglaura hemistoma were the most abundant species, while Muggiaea kochii presented the largest abundance increment over time. Temperature was the main environmental parameter driving significant differences in the cnidarian community composition, abundance and spatial distribution patterns among the surveys. Our results suggest that in the current climate change scenario, warm-water species abundances will be positively favored, and the community will suffer changes in their latitudinal distribution patterns. We consider it extremely important to study and monitor gelatinous zooplankton in mesoscale spatial areas to understand not only long-term changes in abundances but also changes in their spatial distributions since spatial changes are sensitive indicators of climate change.
Highlights
There is increasing evidence that ocean warming is driving changes in the abundance, composition and spatial distribution of gelatinous zooplankton worldwide [1,2]
Gelatinous zooplankton are a conspicuous component of planktonic communities, but relatively little is known about their role in marine ecosystems [3,4]
Increments in seawater temperature can lead to enhanced abundances of different gelatinous zooplankton groups, such as planktonic cnidarians [6,7]
Summary
There is increasing evidence that ocean warming is driving changes in the abundance, composition and spatial distribution of gelatinous zooplankton worldwide [1,2]. Gelatinous zooplankton are a conspicuous component of planktonic communities, but relatively little is known about their role in marine ecosystems [3,4]. These organisms are highly influenced by oceanographic dynamics, water mass structures, and climate variability [1,5]. Increments in seawater temperature can lead to enhanced abundances of different gelatinous zooplankton groups, such as planktonic cnidarians [6,7]. Following the general global pattern [8], the seawater temperature of the NW Mediterranean has shown an increasing
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