Comparison of zooplankton vertical migration in an ice‐free and a seasonally ice‐covered Arctic fjord: An insight into the influence of sea ice cover on zooplankton behavior

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2010.55.2.0831
• Publication Date: 2016-08-09T00:21:33Z
• Authors: Margaret I. Wallace; Finlo R. Cottier; Jørgen Berge; Geraint A. Tarling; Colin Griffiths; Andrew S. Brierley
• Keywords: Diel vertical migration; Fjord; Fast ice

We present observations of zooplankton diel vertical migration (DVM) over a period 2 yr in an ice‐free and seasonally ice‐covered Arctic fjord. The contrasting environments permitted assessment the influences physical biological factors on temporal variability DVM patterns test hypothesis that reduction summer sea ice extent thickness following climatic warming will lead to changes via loss shading effect pelagic marine environment. Acoustic backscatter velocity data from moored 300‐kHz acoustic Doppler current profilers were used derive patterns, while measurements snow enabled underwater light environment consideration its potential influence DVM. Pronounced differences between sites emerged during summertime when intermittent synchronized was observed at site, whereas site characterized by asynchronous behavior, thereby highlighting ice. Notably, 0.8‐m‐thick cover deemed important for water column properties such as food, turbidity, species composition, indicated samples sediment traps, rather than simple ocean direct modification Loss is likely have indirect but substantial hydrography composition community.