Krill of the Ross Sea: Distribution, abundance and demography of Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias during the Italian Antarctic expedition (January-February 2000)

68Citations
Citations of this article
54Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Net samples data from the 15th Italian Antarctic Oceanographic Cruise (Jan-Feb 2000) were analysed to obtain a general picture of the summer distribution pattern, abundance and demography of krill in the western Ross Sea (Antarctica). A midwater sampler-trawl (Hamburg Plankton Net) was used to collect zooplankton and fish larvae. Mean relative biomass of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba, in the area north of Continental Shelf, was 9.3 g/1000 m3 of filtered water with a mean density of 10.9 ind./1000 m3. Ice krill Euphausia crystallorophias replaced the Antarctic krill in dominance in the High Antarctic Zone (south of 74°), with a mean relative biomass of 3.0 g/1000 m3 and a mean density of 19.1 ind./1000 m3. The present data have demonstrated that in the Ross Sea the two species of euphausiid inhabited different areas during the summer period. Oceanographic data indicate that both euphausiid species were found in surface waters. Euphausia crystallorophias in proper Ross Sea water, and Euphausia superba in Antarctic Surface Water. The catch data of Euphausia superba were characterised by the complete absence of larval stages, scarce occurence of juveniles and composed primarily of large adult stages, whereas the overall length frequency distribution of Euphausia crystallorophias was characterised by a first mode of juvenile individuals and a second mode consisting of sub-adults and adults.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Sala, A., Azzali, M., & Russo, A. (2002). Krill of the Ross Sea: Distribution, abundance and demography of Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias during the Italian Antarctic expedition (January-February 2000). Scientia Marina, 66(2), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.3989/scimar.2002.66n2123

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free