Community structure of mesozooplankton in the Antarctic polar frontal zone in the vicinity of the Prince Edward Islands (Southern Ocean): small-scale distribution patterns in relation to physical parameters

摘要: Abstract Mesozooplankton community structure was investigated in four consecutive years from 1996 to 1999, during late austral summer (April/May), the vicinity of Prince Edward Islands. Sampling carried out using a Bongo net with mouth area 0.25 m 2 , and fitted 300 μm mesh. Surveys were high resolution, tows being separated by ±10–20 km. Zooplankton species composition demonstrated degree similarity between tows, containing mix sub-Antarctic Antarctic species. However, variation abundance levels showed that within each year study region characterised presence different zooplankton communities. These communities differed as much an order magnitude total density. Analysis physical variables indicated associated water masses, identifiable their characteristics. Sea temperature most important variable, accounting for 69% structure. Communities often not spatially discrete, many stations despite wide spatial separation. The heterogeneity biological oceanographic environment extended small scale, on 10 km. This is indicative complexity region. complex oceanography shallow topography, including seamounts, islands, frontal zones, indicates small-scale may be factor consider when modelling these ecosystems.