Silke Lischka

Mesozooplankton assemblages in the shallow Arctic Laptev Sea in summer 1993 and autumn 1995

Abstract Mesozooplankton distribution and composition in the very shallow part of the Siberian Laptev Sea shelf were studied during the German-Russian expeditions “Transdrift I” (August/September 1993) and “Transdrift III” (October 1995). Maximum abundances were found close to the outflow of the Lena River (7,965 ind. m−3) and in the Yana river mouth (38,163 ind. m−3). Lowest abundances occurred in the northeast and west of the Laptev Sea (64–95 ind. m−3). Highest biomass values (104–146 mg DM m−3) were determined in the northern and northeastern part of the shallow Laptev Sea, as well as close to the river outflows, with a record biomass maximum in the Yana river mouth (270 mg DM m−3). Biomass minima were situated north of the Lena Delta and in the western part of the shallow Laptev Sea (0.3–1.0 mg DM m−3). Copepods dominated in terms of abundance and biomass. Cluster analyses separated four mesozooplankton assemblages: the assemblage “Lena/Yana” in the southern part, “Eastern-central” in the centre, “Kotelnyy” in the eastern part and “Taimyr” in the western part of the shallow Laptev Sea. The small-sized neritic and brackish-water copepods Drepanopus bungei, Limnocalanus grimaldii and Pseudocalanus major occurred in enormous numbers and made up the bulk of zooplankton abundance and biomass in the very shallow part of the Laptev Sea close to the rivers Lena and Yana. In the more northern and northeastern areas, Calanus glacialis, P. minutus and P. major were dominant copepod species, whereas Oithona similis and Acartia sp. became important in the western Laptev Sea. Appendicularians, as well as hydromedusae and the chaetognath Sagitta sp., contributed significantly to abundance and biomass, respectively, but not over the entire area studied. One can identify taxon-specific distribution patterns (e.g. Sagitta predominated the biomass in a zone between the area heavily influenced by Lena/Yana and the offshore area to the north), which differ from the patterns revealed by cluster analysis. Hydrographic features, especially the enormous freshwater inflow, apparently determine the occurrence and formation of zooplankton aggregations. Extremely high numbers of small-sized neritic and brackish-water copepods occurred locally, which were probably also supported by excellent feeding conditions.

Metabolic response of Arctic pteropods to ocean acidification and warming during the polar night/twilight phase in Kongsfjord (Spitsbergen)

Thecosome pteropods are considered highly sensitive to ocean acidification. During the Arctic winter, increased solubility of CO2 in cold waters intensifies ocean acidification and food sources are limited. Ocean warming is also particularly pronounced in the Arctic. Here, we present the first data on metabolic rates of two pteropod species (Limacina helicina, Limacina retroversa) during the Arctic winter at 79°N (polar night/twilight phase). Routine oxygen consumption rates and the metabolic response [oxygen consumption (MO2), ammonia excretion (NH3), overall metabolic balance (O:N)] to elevated levels of pCO2 and temperature were examined. Our results suggest lower routine MO2 rates for both Limacina species in winter than in summer. In an 18-h experiment, both pCO2 and temperature affected MO2 of L. helicina and L. retroversa. After a 9-day experiment with L. helicina all three metabolic response variables were affected by the two factors with interactive effects in case of NH3 and O:N. The response resembled a “hormesis-type” pattern with up-regulation at intermediate pCO2 and the highest temperature level. For L. retroversa, NH3 excretion was affected by both factors and O:N only by temperature. No significant effects of pCO2 or temperature on MO2 were detected. Metabolic up-regulation will entail higher energetic costs that may not be covered during periods of food limitation such as the Arctic winter and compel pteropods to utilize storage compounds to a greater extent than usual. This may reduce the fitness and survival of overwintering pteropods and negatively impact their reproductive success in the following summer.

Response of pelagic calcifiers (Foraminifera, Thecosomata) to ocean acidification during oligotrophic and simulated up-welling conditions in the subtropical North Atlantic off Gran Canaria

Planktonic Foraminifera and thecosome pteropods are major producers of calcite and aragonite in the ocean and play an important role for pelagic carbonate flux. The responses of planktonic foraminifers to ocean acidification (OA) are variable among the species tested and so far do not allow for reliable conclusion. Thecosome pteropods respond with reduced calcification and shell dissolution to OA and are considered at high risk especially at high latitudes. The present investigation was part of a large-scale in situ mesocosm experiment in the oligotrophic waters of the eastern subtropical North Atlantic. Over 62 days, we measured the abundance and vertical flux of pelagic foraminifers and thecosome pteropods as part of a natural plankton community over a range of OA scenarios. A bloom phase was initiated by the introduction of deep-water collected from approx. 650 m depth simulating a natural up-welling event. Foraminifers occurred throughout the entire experiment in both the water column and the sediment traps. Pteropods were present only in small numbers and disappeared after the first two weeks of the experiment. No significant CO2 related effects were observed for foraminifers, but cumulative sedimentary flux was reduced at the highest CO2 concentrations. This flux reduction was most likely accompanying an observed flux reduction of particulate organic matter (POM) so that less foraminifers were intercepted and transported downward.