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Spatial and temporal variability in factors affecting mesozooplankton dynamics in Chesapeake Bay: Evidence from biomass size spectra

2006; Wiley; Volume: 51; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.4319/lo.2006.51.1.0131

1939-5604

David G. Kimmel, Michael R. Roman, Xinsheng Zhang,

Fish Ecology and Management Studies

Limnology and OceanographyVolume 51, Issue 1 p. 131-141 ArticleFree Access Spatial and temporal variability in factors affecting mesozooplankton dynamics in Chesapeake Bay: Evidence from biomass size spectra David G. Kimmel, Corresponding Author David G. Kimmel University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Corresponding author ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorMichael R. Roman, Michael R. Roman University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Search for more papers by this authorXinsheng Zhang, Xinsheng Zhang University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Present address: NOAA, Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, 904 South Morris Street, Oxford, Maryland 21654.Search for more papers by this author David G. Kimmel, Corresponding Author David G. Kimmel University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Corresponding author ([email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorMichael R. Roman, Michael R. Roman University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Search for more papers by this authorXinsheng Zhang, Xinsheng Zhang University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Horn Point Laboratory, 2020 Horns Point Road, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613Present address: NOAA, Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, 904 South Morris Street, Oxford, Maryland 21654.Search for more papers by this author First published: 26 January 2006 https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2006.51.1.0131Citations: 48 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Abstract Zooplankton biomass in Chesapeake Bay was estimated with an optical plankton counter mounted on a towed body (Scanfish). Normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra were calculated for three Bay regions three times a year across 4 yr. Zooplankton biomass was maximum during April, and the zooplankton size at peak biomass was large compared with July and October. The variability of the normalized zooplankton biomass size spectrum in April was related to freshwater input, a proxy for nutrient loading, lower temperatures, and salinities. The normalized zooplankton biomass size spectrum showed little interannual variability in July, and the curvature of the biomass size spectrum was reduced. The lack of variability in July normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra was related to gelatinous zooplankton and fish predators. Normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra in October were similar to April and had the lowest total zooplankton biomass. October normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra were affected by gelatinous predators in the upper Chesapeake Bay and by fish predators in the middle to lower Chesapeake Bay. Food limitation did not appear to affect normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra because measured particulate carbon concentrations were always in excess of estimated maintenance food concentrations. The ratio of phytoplankton biomass to zooplankton biomass was higher than in other aquatic systems and was consistent across the year. The zooplankton biomass-to-fish biomass ratio varied seasonally, with April samples having the highest ratios and October the lowest. The normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra in Chesapeake Bay have more negative, and a wider range of, linear regression slopes than other aquatic systems. Normalized zooplankton biomass size spectra in Chesapeake Bay were influenced by climatologically driven variation in the densities of predators and prey. The variability of the normalized zooplankton biomass size spectrum was indicative of a highly eutrophic ecosystem. Citing Literature Volume51, Issue1January 2006Pages 131-141 RelatedInformation