Vertical distribution of the zooplankton in the Antarctic Peninsula during the austral summer of 2017.

Abstract

Zooplankton plays a crucial role as the primary consumers in the Southern Ocean and its ecological processes, particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula, influenced by regional glaciological and oceanographic changes. To assess the overall composition of these communities, vertical samples were collected at various depths using a Multinet at oceanographic stations in the Antarctic Peninsula during the XXXV OPERANTAR expedition in summer 2017. Abiotic data (temperature, salinity and chlorophyll-a) were collected using a CTD and a fluoremeter. Organisms were identified to a higher level, with Chaetognatha and Euphausiacea identified to species whenever possible. Copepoda were the most abundant (73.4%), with Calanoida present in all samples and more abundant at 300m. Salpidae ranked as the second most abundant taxon (16.6%) up to 100m. Three species of Chaetognatha were identified, with Eukrohnia hamata being the most abundant, particularly at 300m. Two species of Euphausiacea were found, Euphausia superba and Thysanoesa macrura, with low abundances. Abiotic parameters showed significant relationships with the taxa. The region exhibits complex oceanography associated with zooplankton communities. The recorded data align with the zooplankton characterization of this region, uncovering a prevalence of Copepoda and surface abundant Salpidae, along with Chaetognatha (particulary E. hamata) and Euphausiacea.