Distribution and trophic links of gelatinous zooplankton on Dogger Bank, North Sea
Frost, J.R.; Denda, A.; Fox, C.J.; Jacoby, C.A.; Koppelmann, R.; Nielsen, M.H.; Youngbluth, M.J. (2012). Distribution and trophic links of gelatinous zooplankton on Dogger Bank, North Sea. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 159(2): 239-253. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1803-7
In: Marine Biology: International Journal on Life in Oceans and Coastal Waters. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 0025-3162; e-ISSN 1432-1793, more
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Authors | | Top |
- Frost, J.R.
- Denda, A.
- Fox, C.J.
- Jacoby, C.A.
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- Koppelmann, R.
- Nielsen, M.H.
- Youngbluth, M.J.
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Abstract |
The ecology of small, gelatinous zooplankton is not integrated into management of Dogger Bank (54° 00' N, 3° 25' E to 55° 35' N, 2° 20' E). In pursuit of this goal, gelatinous zooplankton and their potential prey were sampled along a transect across the bank on June 10–16, 2007. Eleven species of small medusae and ctenophores were collected, with six abundant taxa occurring in greater numbers below the thermocline and in the shallower, southeastern portion of the bank. There were no statistically significant diel changes in distribution. In contrast, potential prey were distributed more evenly across the bank and throughout the water column. Isotopic analyses revealed that gelatinous zooplankton fed on both smaller (100–300 µm) and larger (>300 µm) mesozooplankton, but also potentially on each other. These ecological insights suggest that small medusae and ctenophores should be integrated into sustainable management of Dogger Bank. |
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