Sources of primary production, benthic-pelagic coupling, and trophic relationships within the Northeast Water Polynya: insights from δ13C and δ15N analysis

Abstract

Ice algae was enriched in 13C and 15N over particulate organic matter (POM), suggesting that the relative importance of these sources might be traced isotopically. Most grazing crustaceans and filter-feeding bivalves had δ13C and δ15N values that indicated a direct pathway from POM. Close benthic-pelagic coupling was also confirmed for most other benthic organisms examined. -from Authors