Diversity and abundance of neustonic zooplankton in the north Pacific subarctic frontal zone

Abstract

Neustonic zooplankton were collected at 42 stations between latitude 31°N and 47°N during research on the biogeography of the North Pacific Subarctic Frontal Zone. Sea surface temperatures at the stations during the 4 October-9 November 1989 research period ranged from 9.7°C at the northernmost station to 24.1°C at the southernmost station. Distribution of nine phyla (134 taxa) was characterized by low abundance and high species diversity in the southerly latitudes (warm waters), and high abundance with low species diversity in the northerly latitudes (cool waters). Highest abundance was about l degree north of the area separating subarctic and subtropical waters (43°30'N) in the North Pacific Subarctic Frontal Zone. Arthropods (77 taxa) were the most abundant and most frequently collected zooplankton group. Molluscs (19 taxa) were the second most frequently collected group. This study indicates that because zooplankton distribution and abundance may be affected by frontal zones, neuston distribution and diversity may be used as indicators of various North Pacific Ocean water masses.


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