Seasonality of Mesozooplankton in the Southern Black Sea (off Sinop) During 2002-2004

Authors : Funda USTUN

Pages : 87-101

View : 26 | Download : 17

Publication Date : 2016-12-21

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The monthly abundance, biomass and taxonomic composition of zooplankton of Sinop Inner Harbor insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(the southern Black Sea); were determined during 2002-2004. Samplings of zooplankton were carried out vertically at monthly intervals using a standard type plankton net insert ignore into journalissuearticles values( 210 m m mesh size and 50 cm diameter mouth opening); . In the present study, a total of 25 zooplankton taxa were identified. The highest abundance values of mesozooplankton were encountered in February 2003 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(193,500 ind. m -2 );, particularly due to Pseudocalanus elongatus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(83,300 ind. m -2 ); individuals. The mesozooplankton biomass, on the other hand, was the highest in August 2004 insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4350 mg. m -2 );, due to Acartia insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Acartiura); clausi insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1820 mg. m -2 );. The heterotrophic dinoflagellate Noctiluca scintillans , was a major component of plankton samples in Sinop region, presenting its highest values in May 2004. Total annual distribution in mesozooplankton abundance and biomass values showed no significant differences insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P > 0.05); among the three years. Detailed results which have particular importance for long-term assessment of the state of the ecosystem and for modeling studies show that during 2002-2004 mesozooplankton levels off Sinop were rather low compared data from other coastal areas.
Keywords : Zooplankton, Noctiluca, Black Sea, Turkey, biomass, abundance