The influence of ocean climate on coastal plankton and fish production

Abstract

This study evaluates the influence of oceanic variability on plankton and fish production in a coastal upwelling system off southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. A trophodynamics model is used to hind-cast plankton and fish production as estimated by empirical seasonal patterns in upwelling, sea surface temperature, solar radiation, and by biomasses of Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) and Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi). Simulation results indicate that interannual and longer-term variability in coastal plankton production occurs, and that the patterns are primarily determined by the dynamics in the initiation and intensity of coastal upwelling. Fish properties are greatly influenced by zooplankton, with simulated hake production being correlated with summer euphausiid production, and measured herring condition being correlated with autumn zooplankton production. An evaluation of transfer efficiencies indicates that interannual variability in the diatom-to-fish transfer is high (CV = 78%), with the majority of this variability occurring in the diatom-to-zooplankton component of the transfer. Seasonal dynamics of the diatom-to-zooplankton transfer result from the effects of upwelling on diatom production, and subsequent trophodynamic phasing with copepods and euphausiids.