Seasonal variation of mesozooplankton biomass, abundance and copepod grazing in the central Cantabrian Sea (southern Bay of Biscay)

摘要: Size fractionated mesozooplankton biomass, abundance and copepod grazing were investigated over an annual cycle (1998) at two stations off Cudillero (central Cantabrian Sea). Mesozooplankton biomass was higher in summer/early autumn, reaching ~3000 mg dw m-2 September. Copepods the most abundant taxonomic group, representing 91 81% of total coastal shelf-break station respectively. Copepod gut contents summer station, while showed maximum April. Gut linearly related to integrated chlorophyll, except case large animals shelf break station. community carbon ingestion from June September both stations, a value ~165 C day-1. Calculated rates translates into average daily consumption values 8.7% (coast) 5.25% (shelf-break) chlorophyll stock, or 20% primary production.