Differential patterns of mesozooplankters’ distribution in relation to physical and biological variables of the northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

Isari, Stamatina; Psarra, Stella; Pitta, Paraskevi; Mara, Paraskevi; Tomprou, M. O.; Ramfos, Alexis; Somarakis, Stylianos; Τσελεπίδης, Α.; Koutsikopoulos, Constantin; Fragopoulu, Nina

doi:10.1007/s00227-006-0542-7

Cited by 45 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 77 publications

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“…The BSW, especially when it is less mixed with the Aegean Sea water (i.e. it is less saline), is rich in organic matter and is known to enhance local productivity (Isari et al, 2006(Isari et al, , 2007. This might explain the relatively higher zooplankton concentrations recorded in the Pagasitikos and N. Evoikos Gulfs compared to southern areas (Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of central Greece: reflections of topographic and oceanographic heterogeneity

Somarakis¹,

Isari²,

Machias³

2011

Sci. Mar.

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SUMMARY: Patterns in the mesoscale distribution of larval fish in the coastal waters of central Greece, an area of high topographic and bathymetric complexity, were analysed using samples collected during two ichthyoplankton surveys in July 1998 and June 1999. Salinities were lower in the eastern (Aegean) part of the study area due to the influence of waters originating from the Black Sea. In this region, larvae of many epipelagic and benthopelagic (typically summer spawning) species were less abundant in June 1999, when waters were significantly cooler, compared to July 1998. Multivariate analyses identified 'neritic' and 'pelagic' groups of stations dominated by larvae of epipelagic/bethopelagic (typically shelf dwelling) and mesopelagic species. In the west (Ionian Sea), a prominent third group of stations located in the deep and highly enclosed Korinthiakos Gulf was also defined with very high abundances of mesopelagic fish larvae. However, the genera Cyclothone and Vinciguerria that dominated the neighbouring offshore assemblage of the Ionian Sea were absent from this gulf. In the study area, Korinthiakós Gulf (>900 m) and North Evoikos (>400 m) Gulf comprise unique 'fjord-like' ecosystems in the Mediterranean with increased productivity and significantly cooler deep waters compared to adjacent open sea basins.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of central Greece: reflections of topographic and oceanographic heterogeneity

Somarakis¹,

Isari²,

Machias³

2011

Sci. Mar.

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“…Their contribution was by far lower in Mersin Bay and coastal Egyptian waters during the relevant seasons or months (Zakaria, 2006;Yilmaz & Besiktepe, 2010), whereas in Iskenderun Bay they represented almost 19% of total abundances in summer (Terbiyik Kurt & Polat, 2013). Appendicularians are able to feed on submicron particles (Scheinberg et al, 2005), and their populations in the Mediterranean have been linked to those of autotrophic picoplankton (Calbet et al, 2001;Yilmaz & Besiktepe, 2010) and water rich in dissolved organic carbon (and therefore microbial populations; Isari et al, 2007). Thus it is possible that the relatively large proportion of appendicularians around Cyprus is related to the dynamics of the microbial loop in these waters.…”

Section: Mesozooplankton Communities Around Cyprus and In The Surrounmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mesozooplankton biomass and abundance in Cyprus coastal waters and comparison with the Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

Hannides¹,

Siokou²,

Zervoudaki³

et al. 2015

Medit. Mar. Sci.

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Here we conduct the first comprehensive assessment of mesozooplankton abundance, biomass, and taxa composition in Cyprus coastal waters (Levantine Sea). Mesozooplankton abundance and biomass sampled at several locations around the island ranged from 153 -498 individuals m -3 and 0.7 -5.2 mg dry weight m -3 , respectively, with significantly larger biomass observed in winter-early spring (March) than in summer (September). The community was dominated by calanoid and cyclopoid copepods throughout the year (80% of total numbers), with higher abundances of predatory taxa (chaetognaths and medusae) in winter and cladocerans in summer. Overall, we find that coastal mesozooplankton communities around Cyprus appear to be more similar to communities in offshore waters or those around the island of Rhodes than to communities along the mainland Levantine coast. We further highlight regional differences in the Eastern Mediterranean by comparing our data with mesozooplankton in the Western Aegean (Saronikos Gulf) and Northeastern Aegean Sea (NEA). Distinct spatial differences were observed, for example anthropogenic influences in the Saronikos Gulf and the outflow of Modified Black Sea Water in the NEA drove generally greater biomass and abundance in these regions. Overall, our comparison supports the concept of a latitudinal gradient in oligotrophy in the Eastern Mediterranean, with ultra-oligotrophic conditions found in the Levantine Sea.

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“…Calbet et al (2001) and Valdé s et al (2007) have shown how estuarine variability is reflected in the dynamics of the biological populations, particularly planktonic ones. Zooplankton modulates carbon-flow processes through their interactions with higher and lower trophic levels both within the water column and within the benthic community (Isari et al, 2007). Their distribution is affected by both abiotic (David et al, 2005;Marques et al, 2007a, b) and biotic parameters (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their distribution is affected by both abiotic (David et al, 2005;Marques et al, 2007a, b) and biotic parameters (e.g. predation, competition) (Isari et al, 2007). A range of studies have highlighted how plankton (and particularly zooplankton) might be an important indicator of change in marine systems (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Changes in zooplankton diversity and distribution pattern under varying precipitation regimes in a southern temperate estuary

Primo

Azeiteiro

Marques

et al. 2009

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

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a b s t r a c tThe influence of climate variability on the diversity and distribution patterns of zooplankton communities was investigated in the Mondego estuary (Portugal) during four consecutive years characterized by highly variable precipitation and, consequently, river flow regime. Monthly samples were collected along the estuarine gradient at five sampling stations. Seasonal, inter-annual and spatial distributions were evaluated by multivariate analyses and three diversity indices were applied (Species number, Shannon Diversity and Average Taxonomic Distinctness). A two-year drought period presented significant differences in salinity values, especially in 2005 (extreme drought event). During the study period, copepoda was the main dominant group and Acartia tonsa the most abundant species, with the exception of autumn 2006, where high abundances of the cladoceran Penilia avirostris were noticed. Multivariate analysis indicated that zooplankton communities changed from a pre-to a post-drought period indicating the influence of hydrological parameters in communities' structure. The dry period was associated with an increase in zooplankton density, a reduction in seasonality and higher abundance and prevalence of marine species throughout the year. Seasonally, winter/spring communities were distinct from those in summer/autumn. Spatially, salinity-associated differences between upstream and downstream communities were reduced during the drought years, but during the post-drought year, these differences were detected again.

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Differential patterns of mesozooplankters’ distribution in relation to physical and biological variables of the northeastern Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

Cited by 45 publications

References 77 publications

Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of central Greece: reflections of topographic and oceanographic heterogeneity

Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of central Greece: reflections of topographic and oceanographic heterogeneity

Mesozooplankton biomass and abundance in Cyprus coastal waters and comparison with the Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

Changes in zooplankton diversity and distribution pattern under varying precipitation regimes in a southern temperate estuary

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