Temporal Variation in Diversity and Community Structure of A Semi-Isolated Neuston Community

摘要: Temporal variability in neuston diversity and community structure Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve, Co. Cork, was studied over a two-year period. Neuston sampling carried out at different rime scales order to make between-year, seasonal monthly comparisons and, May 2003, midday midnight for six consecutive days daily twelve-hourly (diel) comparisons. Three tracks were established Hyne, each corresponding basin subject hydrographical environments. abundance (Shannon Wiener index, H') estimated timescale, univaniate analyses (ANOVA) revealed significant of temporal variation. There vanration within seasons, this dependent on site year: summer months showed highest abundances, whereas lows recorded January both years. Generally, higher concentrations found the two sites with reduced water circulationi. Diversity maxima occurred during October September The second samlpling year greater diversity. At smaller there variation numbers diversity, which site, diel penrod dlay. Higher abundances generally night, nocturnal not always than that midday. Multivanrate analysis identified distinct diurmal assemblages, providing indirect evidence vertical migration certain taxa. Seasonal succession evident, as interannual vanation. conimmunity dominated by 'temporary neuston' typical neritic, boreal areas state flux. K.A. Rawlinson (corresponding author; e-mail: k.rawlinson@unh. edu), Department Zoology, Rudman