Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Hydrographic characteristics and community structure of epipelagic mesozooplankton in the Dongsha (Pratas) Atoll, South China Sea

Hung-Yen Hsieh A B , Jia-Jang Hung C , Yu-Huai Wang C and Wen-Tseng Lo D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Graduate Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 94450, Taiwan.

B National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, 2 Houwan Road, Checheng, Pingtung 94450, Taiwan.

C Department of Oceanography, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Road, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.

D Institute of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Road, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.

E Corresponding author. Email: lowen@faculty.nsysu.edu.tw

Marine and Freshwater Research 68(12) 2228-2241 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF16247
Submitted: 7 July 2016  Accepted: 10 April 2017   Published: 29 June 2017

Abstract

The relationship between hydrographic features and the community structure of epipelagic mesozooplankton was examined among 10 stations of the water body within the Dongsha (Pratas) Atoll during April (spring), July (summer) and October (autumn) 2011. The hydrographic conditions of the Dongsha Atoll were likely influenced by air temperature and rainfall due to the semi-enclosed topography. Surface water was warm and less saline, particularly in autumn, apparently due to the passage of Typhoon Nalgae. The highest mean (±s.d.) abundance of mesozooplankton was recorded in spring (1204 ± 336 individuals m–3) and the lowest was recorded in autumn (45 ± 9 individuals m–3). Twenty-six major mesozooplankton groups were observed across the samples collected. Mesozooplankton communities were dominated by calanoid copepods, crab zoea, fish eggs and foraminiferans, which together comprised 86.01% of the total zooplankton catch. The absence of significant correlation between mesozooplankton abundance and chlorophyll-a concentration indicated that the temporal pattern of the mesozooplankton community seems to be more dependent on physical variables than on primary production.

Additional keywords: pelagic food web, rainfall, reef ecosystem, salinity, zooplankton population.


References

Aguirre, G. E., Capitanio, F. L., Lovrich, G. A., and Esnal, G. B. (2012). Seasonal variability of metazooplankton in coastal sub-Antarctic waters (Beagle Channel). Marine Biology Research 8, 341–353.
Seasonal variability of metazooplankton in coastal sub-Antarctic waters (Beagle Channel).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Alford, M. H., Lien, R. C., Simmons, H., Klymak, J., Ramp, S. R., Yang, Y. J., Tang, D., and Chang, M.-H. (2010). Speed and evolution of nonlinear internal waves transiting the South China Sea. Journal of Physical Oceanography 40, 1338–1355.
Speed and evolution of nonlinear internal waves transiting the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Beaugrand, G., Brander, C. M., Lindley, A. J., Souissi, S., and Reid, P. C. (2003). Plankton effect on cod recruitment in the North Sea. Nature 426, 661–664.
Plankton effect on cod recruitment in the North Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXps1Cksrg%3D&md5=80e9ef3238a1bd1e352f60935692a2d1CAS |

Bray, J. R., and Curtis, J. T. (1957). An ordination of the upland forest communities of southern Wisconsin. Ecological Monographs 27, 325–349.
An ordination of the upland forest communities of southern Wisconsin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chang, M. H., Lien, R. C., Tang, T. Y., D’Asaro, E. A., and Yang, Y. J. (2006). Energy flux of nonlinear internal waves in northern South China Sea. Geophysical Research Letters 33, L03607.
Energy flux of nonlinear internal waves in northern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chen Lee, Y. L., and Chen, H. Y. (2006). Seasonal dynamics of primary and new production in the northern South China Sea: the significance of river discharge and nutrient advection. Deep-sea Research – I. Oceanographic Research Papers 53, 971–986.
Seasonal dynamics of primary and new production in the northern South China Sea: the significance of river discharge and nutrient advection.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clarke, K. R., and Warwick, R. M. (2001). ‘Change in Marine Communities: an Approach to Statistical Analysis and Interpretation’, 2nd edn. (PRIMER-E: Plymouth, UK.)

Cornils, A., Schnack-Schiel, S. B., Al-Najjar, T., Badran, M. I., Rasheed, M., Manasreh, R., and Richter, C. (2007). The seasonal cycle of the epipelagic mesozooplankton in the northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea). Journal of Marine Systems 68, 278–292.
The seasonal cycle of the epipelagic mesozooplankton in the northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

da Silva, J. C. B., New, A. L., Srokosz, M. A., and Smyth, T. J. (2002). On the observability of internal tidal waves in remotely-sensed ocean colour data. Geophysical Research Letters 29, 1569.
On the observability of internal tidal waves in remotely-sensed ocean colour data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Francis, T., Scheuerell, M., Brodeur, R., Levin, P. S., Ruzicka, J., Tolimieri, N., and Peterson, W. T. (2012). Climate shifts the interaction web of a marine plankton community. Global Change Biology 18, 2498–2508.
Climate shifts the interaction web of a marine plankton community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garside, C. (1982). A chemiluminescent technique for the determination of nanomolar concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in seawater. Marine Chemistry 11, 159–167.
A chemiluminescent technique for the determination of nanomolar concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in seawater.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL38XitVGju78%3D&md5=dcf4f8a0f447bcc307458d6d0fb0297fCAS |

Grasshoff, K., Ehrhardt, M., and Kremling, K. (Eds) (1983). ‘Methods of Seawater Analysis.’ (Wiley-VCH Verlag: Weinheim, Germany.)

Heidelberg, K. B., Sebens, K. P., and Purcell, J. E. (2004). Composition and sources of near reef zooplankton on a Jamaican forereef along with implications for coral feeding. Coral Reefs 23, 263–276.
Composition and sources of near reef zooplankton on a Jamaican forereef along with implications for coral feeding.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hirche, H. J., Meyer, U., and Niehoff, B. (1997). Egg production of Calanus finmarchicus: effect of temperature, food and season. Marine Biology 127, 609–620.
Egg production of Calanus finmarchicus: effect of temperature, food and season.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hitchcock, G. L., Lane, P., Smith, S., Luo, J., and Ortner, P. B. (2002). Zooplankton spatial distributions in coastal waters of the northern Arabian Sea, August, 1995. Deep-sea Research – II. Topical Studies in Oceanography 49, 2403–2423.
Zooplankton spatial distributions in coastal waters of the northern Arabian Sea, August, 1995.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hsu, M. K., Liu, A. K., and Liu, C. (2000). A study of internal waves in the China Seas and Yellow Sea using SAR. Continental Shelf Research 20, 389–410.
A study of internal waves in the China Seas and Yellow Sea using SAR.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hung, J. J., Wang, S. M., and Chen, Y. L. (2007). Biogeochemical controls on distributions and fluxes of dissolved and particulate organic carbon in the northern South China Sea. Deep-sea Research – II. Topical Studies in Oceanography 54, 1486–1503.
Biogeochemical controls on distributions and fluxes of dissolved and particulate organic carbon in the northern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hung, J. J., Huang, W. C., and Yu, C. S. (2013). Environmental and biogeochemical changes following a decade’s reclamation in the Dapeng Bay, southwestern Taiwan. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 130, 9–20.
Environmental and biogeochemical changes following a decade’s reclamation in the Dapeng Bay, southwestern Taiwan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXmt1Cgsbw%3D&md5=6fe4d193c7175143a14f81605bef7238CAS |

Hwang, J. S., Kumar, R., Dahms, H. U., Tseng, L. C., and Chen, Q. C. (2010). Interannual, seasonal, and diurnal variations in vertical and horizontal distribution patterns of 6 Oithona spp. (Copepoda: Cyclopoida) in the South China Sea. Zoological Studies 49, 220–229.

Jan, S., Wang, J., Chern, C. S., and Chao, S. Y. (2002). Seasonal variation of the circulation in the Taiwan Strait. Journal of Marine Systems 35, 249–268.
Seasonal variation of the circulation in the Taiwan Strait.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ji, R., Edwards, M., Mackas, D. L., Runge, J. A., and Thomas, A. C. (2010). Marine plankton phenology and life history in a changing climate: current research and future directions. Journal of Plankton Research 32, 1355–1368.
Marine plankton phenology and life history in a changing climate: current research and future directions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karl, D. M., and Tien, G. (1992). MAGIC: a sensitive and precise method for measuring dissolved phosphorus in aquatic environments. Limnology and Oceanography 37, 105–116.
MAGIC: a sensitive and precise method for measuring dissolved phosphorus in aquatic environments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK38XksFGnurk%3D&md5=2a6201efa0617dcdb6da43a5c7b0a5bdCAS |

Kiørboe, T. (1997). Population regulation and role of mesozooplankton in shaping marine pelagic food webs. Hydrobiologia 363, 13–27.
Population regulation and role of mesozooplankton in shaping marine pelagic food webs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kiørboe, T., and Nielsen, T. G. (1994). Regulation of zooplankton biomass and production in a temperate coastal ecosystem. 1. Copepods. Limnology and Oceanography 39, 493–507.
Regulation of zooplankton biomass and production in a temperate coastal ecosystem. 1. Copepods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Klymak, J. M., Pinkel, R., Liu, C. T., Liu, A. K., and David, L. (2006). Prototypical solitons in the South China Sea. Geophysical Research Letters 33, L11607.
Prototypical solitons in the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Leichter, J. J., Deane, G. B., and Stokes, M. D. (2005). Spatial and temporal variability of internal wave forcing on a coral reef. Journal of Physical Oceanography 35, 1945–1962.
Spatial and temporal variability of internal wave forcing on a coral reef.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu, K. K., Chao, S. Y., Shaw, P. T., Gong, G. C., Chen, C. C., and Tang, T. Y. (2002). Monsoon-forced chlorophyll distribution and primary production in the South China Sea: observations and a numerical study. Deep-sea Research – I. Oceanographic Research Papers 49, 1387–1412.

Lobban, C. S., Chapman, D. J., and Kremer, B. P. (Eds) (1988). ‘Experimental Phycology: A Laboratory Manual.’ (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.)

Longhurst, A. (1995). Seasonal cycles of pelagic production and consumption. Progress in Oceanography 36, 77–167.
Seasonal cycles of pelagic production and consumption.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ma, X., and Purcell, J. E. (2005). Temperature, salinity and prey effects on polyp versus medusa bud production of the invasive hydrozoan, Moerisia lyonsi. Marine Biology 147, 225–234.
Temperature, salinity and prey effects on polyp versus medusa bud production of the invasive hydrozoan, Moerisia lyonsi.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mackas, D. L., Batten, S., and Trudel, M. (2007). Effects on zooplankton of a warmer ocean: recent evidence from the northeast Pacific. Progress in Oceanography 75, 223–252.
Effects on zooplankton of a warmer ocean: recent evidence from the northeast Pacific.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McKinnon, A. D., and Thorrold, S. R. (1993). Zooplankton community structure and copepod egg production in coastal waters of the central Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Journal of Plankton Research 15, 1387–1411.
Zooplankton community structure and copepod egg production in coastal waters of the central Great Barrier Reef lagoon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mills, C. E. (1984). Density is altered in hydromedusae and ctenophores in response to changes in salinity. The Biological Bulletin 166, 206–215.
Density is altered in hydromedusae and ctenophores in response to changes in salinity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Morales, A., and Murillo, M. M. (1996). Distribution, abundance and composition of coral reef zooplankton, Cahuita National Park, Limon, Costa Rica. Revista de Biología Tropical 44, 619–630.

Okolodkov, Y. B., Aké-Castillo, J. A., Gutiérrez-Quevedo, M. G., Pérez-España, H., and Salas-Monreal, D. (2011). Annual cycle of the plankton biomass in the National Park Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, southwestern Gulf of Mexico. In ‘Zooplankton and Phytoplankton’. (Ed. G. Kattel.) pp. 63–88. (Nova Science Publishers: New York, NY, USA.)

Omori, M., and Ikeda, T. (1984). ‘Methods in Marine Zooplankton Ecology.’ (Wiley: New York, NY, USA.)

Pai, S. C., Gong, G. C., and Liu, K. K. (1993). Determination of dissolved oxygen in seawater by direct spectrophotometry of total iodine. Marine Chemistry 41, 343–351.
Determination of dissolved oxygen in seawater by direct spectrophotometry of total iodine.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXhsFequ74%3D&md5=b578ada35b91f50bf6b139e323bc0717CAS |

Pan, X., Wong, G. T. F., Shiah, F. K., and Ho, T. Y. (2012). Enhancement of biological productivity by internal waves: observations in the summertime in the northern South China Sea. Journal of Oceanography 68, 427–437.
Enhancement of biological productivity by internal waves: observations in the summertime in the northern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pielou, E. C. (1984). ‘The Interpretation of Ecological Data.’ (Wiley: New York, NY, USA.)

Qu, T. (2000). Upper-layer circulation in the South China Sea. Journal of Physical Oceanography 30, 1450–1460.
Upper-layer circulation in the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shannon, C. E., and Weaver, W. (1963). ‘The Mathematical Theory of Communication.’ (University of Illinois Press: Urbana, IL, USA.)

Sherr, E., and Sherr, B. (2009). Understanding roles of microbes in marine pelagic food webs: a brief history. In ‘Microbial Ecology of the Oceans’. 2nd edn. (Ed. D. L. Kirchman.) pp. 27–44. (Wiley: New York, NY, USA.)

Simmons, H., Chang, M. H., Chang, Y. T., Chao, S. Y., Fringer, O., Jackson, C. R., and Ko, D. S. (2011). Modeling and prediction of internal waves in the South China Sea. Oceanography 24, 88–99.
Modeling and prediction of internal waves in the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sorokin, Y. I. (1990). Plankton of the reef ecosystem. In ‘Coral Reefs. Ecosystems of the World’. (Ed. Z. Dubinsky.) pp. 291–324. (Elsevier: Amsterdam, Netherlands.)

Sydeman, W. J., and Bogard, S. J. (2009). Marine ecosystems, climate and phenology: introduction. Marine Ecology Progress Series 393, 185–188.
Marine ecosystems, climate and phenology: introduction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Takahashi, K., and Ide, K. (2011). Reproduction, grazing, and development of the large subarctic calanoid Eucalanus bungii: is the spring diatom bloom the key to controlling their recruitment? Hydrobiologia 666, 99–109.
Reproduction, grazing, and development of the large subarctic calanoid Eucalanus bungii: is the spring diatom bloom the key to controlling their recruitment?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tanasichuk, R. W. (2002). Implications of interannual variability in euphausiid population biology for fish production along the south-west coast of Vancouver Island: a synthesis. Fisheries Oceanography 11, 18–30.
Implications of interannual variability in euphausiid population biology for fish production along the south-west coast of Vancouver Island: a synthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

ter Braak, C. J. F. (1986). Canonical correspondence analysis: a new eigenvector technique for multivariate direct gradient analysis. Ecology 67, 1167–1179.
Canonical correspondence analysis: a new eigenvector technique for multivariate direct gradient analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tseng, R. S., and Shen, Y. T. (2003). Lagrangian observations of surface flow patterns in the vicinity of Taiwan. Deep-sea Research – II. Topical Studies in Oceanography 50, 1107–1115.
Lagrangian observations of surface flow patterns in the vicinity of Taiwan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tseng, L. C., Dahms, H. U., Chen, Q. C., and Hwang, J. S. (2013). Geospatial variability in the autumn community structure of epipelagic zooplankton in the upper layer of the northern South China Sea. Zoological Studies 52, 2.
Geospatial variability in the autumn community structure of epipelagic zooplankton in the upper layer of the northern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, Y. H., Dai, C. F., and Chen, Y. Y. (2007). Physical and ecological processes of internal waves on an isolated reef ecosystem in the South China Sea. Geophysical Research Letters 34, L18609.
Physical and ecological processes of internal waves on an isolated reef ecosystem in the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang, D., Xu, H., Lin, J., and Hu, J. (2008). Anticyclonic eddies in the northeastern South China Sea during winter 2003/2004. Journal of Oceanography 64, 925–935.
Anticyclonic eddies in the northeastern South China Sea during winter 2003/2004.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Webber, M. K., and Roff, J. C. (1995). Annual structure of the copepod community and its associated pelagic environment off Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Marine Biology 123, 467–479.
Annual structure of the copepod community and its associated pelagic environment off Discovery Bay, Jamaica.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Welschmeyer, N. A. (1994). Fluormetric analysis of chlorophyll a on the presence of chlorophyll b and pheopigments. Limnology and Oceanography 39, 1985–1992.
Fluormetric analysis of chlorophyll a on the presence of chlorophyll b and pheopigments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXks1Sru70%3D&md5=227a81557baf112c4fbb6e7a5f0e69daCAS |

Wolanski, E., and Deleersnijder, E. (1998). Island-generated internal waves at Scott Reef, Western Australia. Continental Shelf Research 18, 1649–1666.
Island-generated internal waves at Scott Reef, Western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wu, J., Chung, S., Wen, L., Liu, K., Chen, Y. L., Chen, H. Y., and Karl, D. M. (2003). Dissolved inorganic phosphorus, dissolved iron, and Trichodesmium in the oligotrophic South China Sea. Global Biogeochemical Cycles 17, 8-1–8-10.
Dissolved inorganic phosphorus, dissolved iron, and Trichodesmium in the oligotrophic South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, W., Tang, D., Yang, B., Gao, S., Sun, J., Tao, Z., Sun, S., and Ning, X. (2009). Onshire–offshore variations of copepod community in northern South China Sea. Hydrobiologia 636, 257–269.
Onshire–offshore variations of copepod community in northern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, Z., Fringer, O. B., and Ramp, S. R. (2011). Three dimensional, nonhydrostatic numerical simulation of nonlinear internal wave generation and propagation in the South China Sea. Journal of Geophysical Research 116, C05022.
Three dimensional, nonhydrostatic numerical simulation of nonlinear internal wave generation and propagation in the South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhou, L., Huang, L., Tan, Y., Lian, X., and Li, K. (2015). Size-based analysis of zooplankton community under the influence of the Pearl River plume and coastal upwelling in the northeastern South China Sea. Marine Biology Research 11, 168–179.
Size-based analysis of zooplankton community under the influence of the Pearl River plume and coastal upwelling in the northeastern South China Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |