Relationship between zooplankton distribution, geographic characteristics and hydrographic patterns off the Catalan coast (Western Mediterranean)

Abstract

We studied the distribution patterns of ten zooplankton taxa of the Catalan coast (Western Mediterranean) using data collected in six research cruises along the continental shelf from April to July and September to October 1983. Zooplankton biomass ranged from 0.2-0.4 mg m-3 to 48-60 mg m-3, the greatest values being recorded between April and May, when gelatinous zooplankton concentrations were consistently present along the edge of the continental shelf. We identified the main factors contributing to the observed pattern of zooplankton distribution as the high degree of environmental fluctuation close to the coast (thermal gradient from north to south), the structural heterogeneity inherent to the continental shelf, and the persistence of a hydrographical front along the margin of the shelf. © 1989 Springer-Verlag