Carbon isotope composition of mysids at a terrestrial-marine ecotone, Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada
Mulkins, L.M.; Jelinski, D.E.; Karagatzides, J.D.; Carr, A. (2002). Carbon isotope composition of mysids at a terrestrial-marine ecotone, Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia, Canada. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 54(4): 669-675
In: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. Academic Press: London; New York. ISSN 0272-7714; e-ISSN 1096-0015, more
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| Keywords |
Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Carbon
Ecology
Ecology > Landscape ecology
Isotopes > Carbon isotopes
Water bodies > Coastal waters > Coastal landforms > Coastal inlets > Estuaries
Mysida [WoRMS]; Mysida [WoRMS]
Canada [Marine Regions]; INE, Canada, British Columbia [Marine Regions]; PNW, Canada [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
Mysids; Ecotone; Canada west coast; Estuary; Estuarium |
| Authors | | Top |
- Mulkins, L.M.
- Jelinski, D.E.
- Karagatzides, J.D.
- Carr, A.
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| Abstract |
The relative contribution of summertime terrestrial versus marine carbon to an estuary on coastal British Columbia, Canada was explored using stable carbon isotopic (δ13C values) analysis of mysid crustaceans (Malacostraca: Peracarida: Mysidacea). We hypothesized that landscape linkages between the forested upland and adjacent inshore marine waters, via river, groundwater and overland flows, may influence carbon content and metabolism in the coastal zone. We sampled 14 stations spatially distributed in a grid and found δ13C compositions of mysids ranged from -15·2 to -18·4‰. There was, however, no obvious spatial distribution of δ13C values relative to the estuarine gradient in Cow Bay. Heavy tidal mixing is suggested to disperse marine and terrestrial carbon throughout the entire bay. From a temporal perspective however, mysid δ13C signatures became enriched over the sampling period (mid-July to mid-August), which is representative of a stronger marine influence. This may arise because mysids are exposed to greater marine-derived carbon sources later in the summer, a decrease in freshwater input (and hence terrestrial carbon), changes in phytoplankton or macrophyte community structure, or that mysids preferentially feed on marine food sources. Overall, the recorded isotopic values are characteristic of marine organic carbon signatures suggesting that in summer, despite the proximity to shore, little or no terrestrial carbon penetrates the food web at the trophic level of mysids. This notwithstanding we believe there is a strong need for additional study of carbon flows at the marine-terrestrial interface, especially for disturbed watersheds. |
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