Seasonality and vertical zonation of zooplankton in a semi-enclosed sea lough

Abstract

Zooplankton was collected by a diver-towed net close to the substratum at four depths (0, 6, 12 and 18 m) over a 17 month period in three locations in Lough Hyne, Co. Cork, Ireland. Zooplankton was identified to phylum or class levels and mean numbers were calculated for each taxon, site and depth. Seasonality was observed in several meroplanktonic groups (Echinodermata, Nemertea, Mollusca and fish postlarvae), and in gelatinous zooplankton. Depth preference was found to be statistically significant in the polychaetes (larvae and pelagic species), molluscan and ascidian larvae. However, the influence of depth on overall zooplankton community composition was found to be negligible. Sampling location, adjacent substrata and flow conditions were found to influence zooplankton in that area.