Surf zone zooplankton communities from the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula — Influence of season, substrate type and environmental factors

Abstract

Studies on surf zone zooplankton biodiversity and population dynamics processes remain scarce in comparison to other coastal areas. In this work, we analysed the seasonal (winter/summer) variability of the surf zone zooplankton assemblage structure and copepod biomass of distinct areas with different substrate types (sandy beaches/rocky shores) at the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal). Cypris of Cirripedia and Acartia clausi prevailed during summer at both areas. In the winter, Paracalanus parvus and Temora longicornis were the most abundant species at sandy beaches, while Harpacticoida n.id.1 and Euterpina acutifrons dominated at rocky shores. Copepod biomass was higher during the winter and in sandy beaches. Zooplankton showed distinct community structure according to season and substrate type, with Harpacticoids and cirripeds being the main responsible for seasonal differences, while fish eggs and harpacticoids were mainly responsible for differences among substrates. Surf zone assemblages were influenced by temperature, chlorophyll a and local hydrodynamics, which reflects species seasonal reproduction and drift in the water column.