Temporal and Spatial Scales of Ichthyoplankton Distribution in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the leading physical and biological processes influencing the ichthyoplankton distribution in the Southern Gulf of Mexico at different scales. Data were obtained from previous studies focused on the analysis of environmental factors affecting ichthyoplankton distribution patterns in this region. We considered three observational scales: Bahı́a de Campeche (meso scale) the littoral zone adjacent to Laguna de Términos (coarse scale) and one inlet between the lagoon and the sea (fine scale). At the fine scale, tidal- and wind-induced currents, bottom topography, and salinity gradients were among the main mechanisms controlling ichthyoplankton distribution. At the coarse scale, littoral currents, lagoon influence, spatial salinity variability, and meteorological conditions determined the structure and location of ichthyoplankton groups. At the meso scale, the main circulation pattern of the Southern Gulf, continental water discharges, mixing processes, and oceanic gyres were important processes explaining ichthyoplankton distribution patterns and community structure. These environmental features coupled with the life-cycle strategies of fishes, the periods and spawning areas of the adults, larval stages, dispersal capabilities of larvae, and the larval stage duration produce distinctive ichthyoplankton patterns. This multiscale study showed that every observational level gives key elements to understanding the dynamics of the system, and that physical and biological processes over similar ranges of time and length scales can explain ichthyoplankton distribution.