The Tiny but Mighty: Zooplankton's Big Role in the Barents Sea
In the southern Barents Sea, tiny creatures are making a big impact. These are zooplankton, the small animals drifting in the ocean. They are super important for fish and shellfish. This area is a hotspot for fishing. So, understanding zooplankton here is crucial.
A Recent Study
A recent study looked at these tiny creatures in the summer. They found 44 different types of zooplankton. The most common ones were copepods like Acartia longiremis and Calanus finmarchicus. The study showed two main groups of zooplankton:
- One group lived in the fjords
- The other in the open sea
These groups were different because of their environment.
Environmental Differences
- Shallow, inshore waters had more smaller zooplankton
- Deeper, offshore waters had larger Calanus copepods
The open sea had more zooplankton overall. The biomass and daily production were higher there. The study found that water depth, temperature, and chlorophyll a levels affected zooplankton the most.
Bays and Diversity
Interestingly, the bays had more diverse zooplankton. This is likely because the environment there is more varied. The study shows that the southern Barents Sea is very productive. This is good news for fishing and the ecosystem.
New Insights
This research gives new insights into Arctic zooplankton. It also provides a baseline for future studies. Understanding these tiny creatures helps us protect the big picture.
