Fish-Zooplankton—A Predator-Prey Relations as a Key Factor for the Design of Zooplankton Distribution Sampling Program in Lake Kinneret, Israel

Abstract

Long-term data record of Kinneret Epilimnetic Zooplankton biomass distribution and fish stock assessment was analyzed. The objective is aimed at defining the representativeness of the present sampling stations distribution for the measure of the entire Lake Kinneret zooplankton biomass. Previous studies documented the preeminence of temperature and fish predation impacts on zooplankton density: water temperature through growth rate trait and fish predation. Acoustic surveys indicated that fish shoals are mostly inhabiting the Peripheral region and much less the central part of the Kinneret pelagial. Due to fish zooplanktivory, densities of planktonic crustacean in the Pelagial periphery presented by 5 - 7 sampling stations are low. Nevertheless, large central lake area with higher densities of zooplankton biomass is presented by only one station. Therefore, stations average is incorrect as is total lake measure. The average result as indicated presently as total zooplankton biomass in lake Kinneret is, therefore, underestimated. Two optional corrective suggestions are concluded: 1) Additional sampling stations in the central part of the Pelagial region; 2) Usage of station value of aerial coefficient (promoter).