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Variability of epipelagic macrozooplankton/micronekton community structure in the NW Weddell Sea, Antarctica (1995–1996)

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Abstract

Macrozooplankton/micronekton in the epipelagic zone (0–100 m) of the NW Weddell Sea were sampled with a 10 m2 multiple opening-closing net environmental sampling system (MOCNESS) trawl during three cruises in 1995 and 1996. A total of 40 species were collected during all cruises. Community composition, as measured using Bray-Curtis analysis and multi-dimensional scaling, permitted separation into two groups: group 1 included samples collected during September–October 1995 and group 2 contained samples collected during April-May 1996 and November–December 1996. Zooplankton collections were dominated by Thysanoessa macrura in September–October 1995 (high pack-ice cover) and by both Euphausia superba and Salpa thompsoni in April–May 1996 (intermediate pack-ice cover) and November–December 1996 (open water). Copepods were not sampled quantitatively by the MOCNESS trawl and were not included in this analysis. Trends in measured parameters of community structure are discussed with respect to environmental characteristics during each sampling period.

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Acknowledgements

The crews of the R.V.I.B. "Nathaniel B. Palmer" and the R.V. "Polar Duke" and the personnel from Antarctic Support Associates facilitated the field aspects of this study. Andrea Bruemmer, Chris Franco, Eric Giddens, Carly Hammock, Amber Himes, Janette Holtz, Matthew Laubacher, Jeremy Long, Ryan Marcos, Brian Sullivan, and Marnie Zirbel processed samples on the ship or in the laboratory. Roberta Baldwin, Jeff Drazen, and Rob Glatts provided assistance with various aspects of laboratory analyses. Jamie Pringle created the station maps. Steve Hart and Bob Whritner provided SSM/I and AVHRR images of the study location. Lisa Levin, Paul Smith, and two anonymous reviewers provided valuable comments on the manuscript. This research was supported by a National Science Foundation grant OPP 93–15029 to K.L.S. and R.S.K., a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to E.C.F., and the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.

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  1. Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA 92093–0202, USA

    E. C. Fisher & K. L. Smith Jr.

  2. Marine and Environmental Studies Program, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110–2492, USA

    R. S. Kaufmann

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  1. E. C. Fisher
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  2. R. S. Kaufmann
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Correspondence to R. S. Kaufmann.

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Communicated by P.W. Sammarco, Chauvin

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Fisher, E.C., Kaufmann, R.S. & Smith, K.L. Variability of epipelagic macrozooplankton/micronekton community structure in the NW Weddell Sea, Antarctica (1995–1996). Marine Biology 144, 345–360 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-003-1177-6

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