Spatial patterns and key drivers of zooplankton in the north central Indian Ocean

Wimalasiri, H.B.U.G.M.; Weerakoon, W.R.W.M.A.P.; Jayasinghe, R.P.P.K.; Dalpadado, Padmini

doi:10.1080/17451000.2021.1975755

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…However, our survey was conducted during the period where there are upwellings induced by the southwest monsoon along the south and southwest coast [39], with higher biomass and density of zooplankton recorded along the south and west coasts than the east during the SW monsoon [28]. Hence, our results would be consistent with earlier studies of blue whales present along the north and east coasts, but they had already moved south.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

“…Frequent sightings of blue whales were recorded from Dondra Head to Galle on the south coast. The south coast at the Dondra submarine canyon and the western areas of Sri Lanka are the coastal upwelling area in Sri Lanka coupled with higher zooplankton biomass [28] during the SW monsoon, where blue whales frequently aggregate for feeding. These aggregation sites coincide with the busiest shipping lanes in the NIO.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The south and southwest coastal upwelling areas off of Sri Lanka are rich in phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass [28]. One of the prominent whale aggregations occurs along the continental shelf break in the Sri Lankan southern upwelling region, which is rich in their main food sources, sergestid shrimp and euphausiids (krill) [29,30].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distribution and Abundance of the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) off Sri Lanka during the Southwest Monsoon 2018

Kirumbara

Jayasinghe

Jens-Otto

et al. 2022

JMSE

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Blue whales Balaenoptera musculus are the most abundant and widely distributed cetacean species in Sri Lankan waters. A vessel-based opportunistic line transect survey focusing on marine mammals was conducted in Sri Lankan waters between 24 June to 12 July 2018, while an ecosystem survey was performed by the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen. The entire transect length was 2090 km within an area of 3895 km2. Overall, 72% (n = 57) of blue whale observations were group assemblages ranging between 1 and 5 individuals out of a total of 79 sightings. The largest aggregations of blue whales were recorded at the intersection of the submarine canyon off the coastline of Mirissa and busy shipping lanes between Dondra Head and Galle, where previous ship strikes were recorded. Overall, the average observed group size was 2.64 (CV, 12.34%; 95% CI, 2.07–3.38), the average group density was 0.0029 km−2 (CV, 35.96%; 95% CI, 0.00145–0.00610), and the total blue whale abundance within the survey area was 513 individuals (CV, 38.02%; 95% CI, 243–1083). These survey results fill vital knowledge gaps regarding the abundance and distribution of blue whales in Sri Lanka, which is essential for the establishment of management and conservation strategies.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Distribution and Abundance of the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) off Sri Lanka during the Southwest Monsoon 2018

Kirumbara

Jayasinghe

Jens-Otto

et al. 2022

JMSE

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“…According to Krakstad et al, (2018), in Sri Lankan waters, plankton dynamics from the central Indian Ocean are poorly known. In Sri Lanka, several studies have been carried out on the plankton diversity of coastal and brackish waters (Jayasiri et al, 2007;Jitlang et al, 2008;Wijetunge et al, 2015;Wimalasiri et al, 2021). Fernando (1980), has stated that the limnetic zooplankton of Sri Lanka is typical of tropical limnetic zooplankton in species composition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Plankton Diversity in Coastal Waters near Kalu Ganga River Mouth; Sri Lanka

Batugedara

Senanayake

2022

KDU J. Multidisc. Stud.

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The plankton community plays a significant role in the stability of coastal ecosystems. They serve as key players in marine food webs. The present study investigated the plankton diversity in coastal waters near Kalu Ganga river mouth. Six sampling locations were chosen randomly, three along the right side of the coastline (CR1-CR3) and three along the left-side (CL1-CL3) from the river mouth. Zooplankton and phytoplankton at each location were sampled from September 2020 to February 2021 using a 55µm plankton net in surface waters on a monthly basis. Plankton were morphologically identified to the nearest possible taxonomic level. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) and Simpson's Index of Diversity (SID) were calculated to determine plankton diversity. The number of phytoplankton species found during the wet months (September-October) and dry months (January-February) were 62 and 68 respectively, while a similar number of zooplankton species (43) were recorded in both periods. Altogether, 81 phytoplankton species and 53 zooplankton species were identified during the research period. Bacillariophyta (72%) and Copepods (68%) were identified as the dominant phytoplankton and zooplankton groups respectively. Dinoflagellates including, Peridinium sp., Protoperidinium sp., Ceratium sp., Noctiluca sp., Gonyaulax sp., and Alexandrium sp., which are well-known to form harmful algal blooms (HABs) accounted for 17%. Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta were less dominated and found only during wet months at nearest sampling locations (CL1 and CR1) to river mouth. Rotifera (11%), foraminifera (9%), protozoa (10%) and ichthyoplanktons (<1%) were also reported. The H and SID values for plankton were recorded to be between 2.7 to 3.1 and 0.90 to 0.96 respectively. The both values were not significantly different (p>0.05) between wet months and dry months at each location. According to the H and SID values, the study area has a moderate-high level of plankton diversity. Further research should be conducted to determine the temporal and spatial variation of plankton diversity in the study area.

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Rapid climate change alters the environment and biological production of the Indian Ocean

Dalpadado,

Roxy,

Arrigo

et al. 2024

Science of The Total Environment

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Spatial patterns and key drivers of zooplankton in the north central Indian Ocean

Cited by 4 publications

References 37 publications

Distribution and Abundance of the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) off Sri Lanka during the Southwest Monsoon 2018

Distribution and Abundance of the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus indica) off Sri Lanka during the Southwest Monsoon 2018

Plankton Diversity in Coastal Waters near Kalu Ganga River Mouth; Sri Lanka

Rapid climate change alters the environment and biological production of the Indian Ocean

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