Macroplankton communities in Antarctic surface waters: spatial changes related to hydrography

Abstract

During the Anglo-German Antarctic expedition in February 1982 macroplankton was collected in the waters off the Antarctic Peninsula. Macroplankton compositions at 36 stations were compared and degrees of similarity submitted to hierarchical cluster analysis. Results demonstrate strong spatial heterogeneity, which could be attributed to the different water masses in this region. These dissimilarities demarcate 4 provinces, each characterized by a distinct macroplankton community: (1) The 'Oceanic Community' comprises the stations influenced by the Westwind Drift, oceanic forms are typical (e.g. the hyperiid amphipod Vibilia antarctica, and the polychaete Vanadis antarctica). (2) The 'Bellingshausen Water Community' is influenced by Bellingshausen Sea water and oceanic species are scarce; large numbers of Antarctic krill euphausia superba occur but shallow water forms are also abundant. (3) The 'Neritic Community' consists of stations in the shelf water of the southern Bransfield Strait; it is characterized by postlarvae of several fish species, and meroplanktonic larvae of benthic forms. Large krill concentrations, however, are also encountered. (4) A 'Transitional Community' exists in environments where various water masses mingle (e.g. at shelf slopes). This community lacks typical forms.