Mesozooplankton composition and spatial distribution in Nuvo Gulf, Patagonia Argentina

MENÉNDEZ, M. C.; BIANCALANA, F.; BERASATEGUI, A. A.; FERNÁNDEZ SEVERINI M. D.; HOFFMEYER, M. S.; ESTEVEZ, J. L.

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Lugar: Brazil ; Año: 2010 p. 1 - 22

1809-127X

 Abstract  The composition and spatial distribution of mesozooplankton of Nuevo Gulf, Argentina, were analyzed from surface samples  taken on July, 1997. A  total of 32  taxa were recorded. The highest abundances were found close  to Nueva Bay, which  is  located nearby a growing urban population, whereas  the  lowest values were detected  in  the  center of  the gulf. Holoplankton dominated  at all stations  and  evidenced  a  homogeneous  spatial  distribution.  Meroplankton  showed  a  more heterogeneous pattern. Ctenocalanus vanus was the most abundant taxon followed by Paracalanus parvus. Gastropoda  veligers  dominated  the meroplanktonic  fraction. Our  results  showed  that  the spatial  distribution  of  the  mesozooplankton  seems  to  be  mainly  influenced  by  the  dominant hydrological circulation pattern of  the region. This research establishes the first scientific basis for further  studies  in  zooplankton  communities  of  this  important  gulf,  closely  related  to  a  natural protected worldwide known area declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.