Distribution of larval fishes among water masses in Onslow Bay, North Carolina: implications for cross-shelf exchange

The Gulf Stream (GS) is a major oceanographic feature with potential to influence the recruitment of larval fishes to continental shelf habitats in the southeastern United States. To test the hypothesis that the GS is a source of certain larval fishes to Onslow Bay, North Carolina, we (i) classified water masses as shelf, GS, GS front (GSF), or GS/shelf mixture (GS/S); (ii) compared larval fish assemblages and concentrations among these water masses; and (iii) compared length–frequency distributions and length–concentration relationships of indicator and commercially important taxa among water masses. A total of 21,222 larvae were collected with bongo and neuston nets from April 2000 to December 2001. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analyses revealed distinct larval assemblages associated with different water masses. For bongo catches, bothids were abundant in all water masses, gobiids, callionymids, and labrids were abundant in shelf waters, and myctophids and scombrids were abundant in the GS. For neuston catches, carangids dominated in GS/S, GSF, and GS waters, whereas triglids were abundant in shelf water. Larval concentrations in neuston catches were lower in shelf waters and higher in GS and GSF waters. Concentrations of most taxa in bongo catches were low in the GS and higher in shelf waters. We used trends in myctophid (offshore/GS) and gobiid (shelf) length–concentration data as indicators of the sources of commercially important serranids. Length distributions and concentrations of larval indicator taxa suggested local, shelf spawning, and transport of larvae from offshore.     

Ichthyoplankton-based spawning dynamics of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) in south-eastern Australia: links to the East Australian Current

We describe findings of three ichthyoplankton surveys undertaken along south‐eastern Australia during spring (October 2002, 2003) and winter (July 2004) to examine spawning habitat and dynamics of blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus). Surveys covered ～860 nautical miles between southern Queensland (Qld; 24.6°S) and southern New South Wales (NSW; 41.7°S), and were mainly centred on the outer shelf including the shelf break. Egg identifications were verified applying mtDNA barcoding techniques. Eggs (n = 2971) and larvae (n = 727; 94% preflexion) occurred both in spring and winter, and were confined to 25.0–34.6°S. Greatest abundances (numbers per 10 m²) of eggs (1214–7390) and larvae (437–1172) occurred within 10 nm shoreward from the break in northern NSW. Quotient analyses on egg abundances revealed that spawning is closely linked to a combination of bathymetric and hydrographic factors, with the outer shelf as preferred spawning area, in waters 100–125 m deep with mean temperatures of 19–20°C. Eggs and larvae in spring occurred in waters of the East Australian Current (EAC; 20.6–22.3°C) and mixed (MIX; 18.5–19.8°C) waters, with none occurring further south in the Tasman Sea (TAS; 16.0–17.0°C). Results indicate that at least some of the south‐eastern Australian blue mackerel stock spawns during winter‐spring between southern Qld and northern NSW, and that no spawning takes place south of 34.6°S due to low temperatures (<17°C). Spawning is linked to the EAC intrusion, which also facilitates the southward transport of eggs and larvae. Since spring peak egg abundances came from where the EAC deflects offshore, eggs and larvae are possibly being advected eastwards along this deflection front. This proposition is discussed based on recent data on blue mackerel larvae found apparently entrained along the Tasman Front.     

Entrainment of larval fish assemblages from the inner shelf into the East Australian Current and into the western Tasman Front

Entrainment and transport of larval fish assemblages by the East Australian Current (EAC) were examined from the coastal waters of northern New South Wales (NSW) to the western Tasman Front, via the separation of the EAC from the coast, during the austral spring of 2004. Shore‐normal transects from the coast to the EAC off northern NSW revealed an inner shelf assemblage of near‐shore families (Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Platycephalidae and Triglidae), an EAC assemblage dominated by Myctophidae and Gonostomatidae, and a broadly distributed assemblage over the continental shelf dominated by Scombridae and Carangidae. Further south and after the EAC had separated from the coast, we observed a western Tasman Front assemblage of inner shelf and shelf families (Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Serranidae, Scombridae, Carangidae, Bothidae and Macroramphosidae). The abundance of these families declined with distance from the coast. Surprisingly, there was no distinctive or abundant larval fish assemblage in the chlorophyll‐ and zooplankton‐enriched waters of the Tasman Sea. Water type properties (temperature‐salinity, T‐S), the larval fish assemblages and family‐specific T‐S signatures revealed the western Tasman Front to be an entrained mix of EAC and coastal water types. We found an abundance of commercially important species including larval sardine (Sardinops sagax, Clupeidae), blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus, Scombridae) and anchovy (Engraulis australis, Engraulidae). The entrainment and transport of larval fish from the northern inner shelf to the western Tasman Front by the EAC reflects similar processes with the Gulf Stream Front and the Kuroshio Extension.     

Larval fish assemblages and water mass structure off the oligotrophic south-western Australian coast

Larval fish assemblages were sampled using replicated oblique bongo net tows along a five‐station transect extending from inshore (18 m depth) to offshore waters (1000 m depth) off temperate south‐western Australia. A total of 148 taxa from 93 teleost families were identified. Larvae of Gobiidae and Blenniidae were abundant inshore, while larvae of pelagic and reef‐dwelling families, such as Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Carangidae and Labridae were common in continental shelf waters. Larvae of oceanic families, particularly Myctophidae, Phosichthyidae and Gonostomatidae, dominated offshore assemblages. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed larval fish assemblages to have a strong temporal and spatial structure. Assemblages were distinct among seasons, and among inshore, continental shelf and offshore sampling stations. Inshore larval fish assemblages were the most seasonal, in terms of species composition and abundance, with offshore assemblages the least seasonal. However, larval fish assemblages were most closely correlated to water mass, with species distributions reflecting both cross‐shelf and along‐shore oceanographic processes and events. Similarity profile (SIMPROF) analysis suggested the presence of twelve distinct larval fish assemblages, largely delineated by water depth and season. The strength and position of the warm, southward flowing Leeuwin Current, and of the cool, seasonal, northward flowing Capes Current, were shown to drive much of the variability in the marine environment, and thus larval fish assemblages.     

Distribution and community structure of ichthyoplankton from the northern and central California Current in May 2004–06

The distributions, concentrations, and community structure of pelagic larval fishes collected from the central and northern California Current in the northeast Pacific Ocean during May 2004, 2005, and 2006 were analyzed to investigate inter-annual, latitudinal, cross-shelf, and depth-stratified variability. The inter-annual climate-induced variability during the sampling period provided a unique opportunity to observe how larval fish communities adjust to rapidly changing environmental conditions. The 170 depth-stratified samples collected from three cruises yielded 14 819 fish larvae from 56 taxa representing 23 families. Dominant larval taxa were Engraulis mordax , Citharichthys spp., Sebastes spp., and Stenobrachius leucopsarus . Larval concentrations decreased significantly in 2006 from 2004 and 2005 levels following the anomalous oceanic conditions observed in 2005 and decreased water temperature in 2006. Larvae were generally found in higher concentrations at northern (>43°N) versus southern (<43°N) stations, with larval E. mordax and Citharichthys spp. found almost exclusively in the north during all sampled years. Inter-annual variability related to dynamic upwelling intensity was observed in cross-shelf larval distributions, although concentrations of S. leucopsarus larvae consistently increased in the offshore direction, while larval Sebastes spp. were generally found in highest concentrations at intermediate stations along the shelf. Multivariate analyses revealed that latitude, station depth, and sea-surface temperature were the most important factors explaining variability in larval concentrations. The present study shows that the ichthyoplankton community of the central and northern California Current changed dramatically in response to the variable environmental conditions of 2004–06.     

Distribution and migration of age-0 jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) in the East China and Yellow Seas, based on seasonal bottom trawl surveys

We examined the distribution and migration of age-0 jack mackerel in the East China Sea (ECS) and Yellow Sea, based on data from seasonal bottom trawl surveys. Sampling was conducted at 79–161 stations during five cruises in spring (April–June), early summer (May–July), late summer (August–October), autumn (October–December), and winter (January–February). During early summer, jack mackerel (mean 92 mm fork length), which were estimated to have hatched in the southern East China Sea (SECS) during winter, began to occur abundantly, especially along the shelf-break region of the central East China Sea (CECS). In late summer, the distribution center of young fish (mean 126 mm) shifted northward into the shelf region of northern East China Sea (NECS), corresponding with the rise of bottom water temperature and high prey abundance. In winter when the bottom water temperature declined in the shelf region, the distribution center of jack mackerel (mean 144 mm) shifted southward, with high densities occurring in the SECS and CECS. In spring, overwintering jack mackerel that had become age-1 (mean 175 mm) were distributed abundantly along the shelf-break region of the ECS. On the other hand, jack mackerel were only sporadically found, generally at low densities, in the Yellow Sea during all seasons. High densities of jack mackerel were largely restricted to areas of >15°C bottom water temperature during all seasons. Our results indicate that the seasonal shifts of the 15°C isotherm of the bottom layer and the food conditions are significant environmental factors determining the migration of jack mackerel within the ECS.     

Eulerian views of layered water currents, vertical distribution of some larval fishes, and inferred advective transport over the continental shelf off North Carolina, USA, in winter

Currents that effect the shoreward transport of the larvae of estuarine-dependent fishes spawned in winter in Onslow Bay, North Carolina, USA, were driven by winds and pressure gradients, and influenced by the Gulf Stream. Aside from storms, winds over the continental shelf in Onslow Bay blew predominantly alongshore with velocities approaching 14 m s^-1 during February and March 1986, and January and February 1989. Water masses and currents observed at two current-meter moorings, one at mid-shelf and the other on the outer shelf, reflected the onshore (or offshore) advection of interior water in compensation for the offshore (or onshore) advection of wind-driven surface water. Winds and currents reversed direction approximately every 4 to 6 days. The larvae of Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus , spot, Leiostomus xan- thurus, and Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus , were most abundant in 17–19^oC and 20–21^oC water of the outer shelf and Gulf Stream fronts. There was little indication of diel vertical migration; larval Atlantic menhaden were most abundant in mid- and surface water, while spot and Atlantic croaker were most abundant in mid- and deep water. Given this distribution, the inferred advective transport of larvae was at times onshore, but at other times it was offshore. Within a spawning season, the prevalence of either reciprocation could determine the number of larvae that reach coastal inlets.     

东海生态系统中鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类组成、数量分布及其与环境因素的关系

为了解当前东海生态系统中鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类组成和数量分布的现状及其变化与物理环境因素的关系,根据2006年11月—2008年6月5个航次的鱼卵、仔稚鱼和物理环境调查资料,对鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类组成、数量分布与产卵场物理环境进行分析,探讨不同季节、不同年份鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类组成和数量分布的变化及其与物理环境的关系。结果显示,5个航次采集到74 813粒鱼卵、16 826尾仔稚鱼,共有135个种类。其中,鉴定到种的有109种,隶属于15目67科99属,还有17个种类仅能鉴定到属、6个种类仅能鉴定到科和3个种类仅能鉴定到目。2006年—2007年秋季、冬季和春季鱼卵、仔稚鱼的种类和数量随着季节变化逐渐增多;2008年春季的种类和数量较2007年春季明显偏少;2008年初夏种类的数量与2008年春季基本相近,但鱼卵的数量明显增多,仔稚鱼的数量基本相近。42种优势种类、重要种类和主要种类构成当前东海生态系统中鱼卵、仔稚鱼种类组成的主要成分。东海表层水温和盐度分布有显著的季节变化。秋、冬季表层水温锋面强度最强,春季次之,初夏最弱;锋面的位置秋季离岸最近,冬季次之,春季和初夏离岸最远,冬季偏南,初夏季节北移。表层盐度锋面主要分布在近岸区域,与岸线大致平行,其强度冬季最强,春、秋季次之,初夏季节最弱。秋、冬季节陆架深水海域的水温较沿岸海域高,鱼类生殖群体在陆架深水高温区产卵;春季和初夏季节沿岸海域明显升温,鱼类生殖群体由深水区向近岸海域进行生殖洄游,产卵场分布由陆架中部向近岸海域扩展,并在近岸海域形成了中心产卵场。鱼卵和仔稚鱼的分布与温、盐锋面和种类的温、盐属性的关系密切,主要分布在温度锋面暖水一侧,并有各自最适宜的温度和盐度范围。水温、盐度与种类的繁殖生物学特性是导致鱼卵和仔稚鱼种类组成与数量发生变化的主要因素;适宜的温度和盐度范围、锋区的辐聚和卷夹作用以及种类的生物学属性是影响鱼卵和仔稚鱼数量分布以及密集分布区形成的主要因素。     

Springtime ichthyoplankton of the slope region off the north-eastern United States of America: larval assemblages, relation to hydrography and implications for larval transport

Larval transport in the slope region off north‐eastern North America influences recruitment to juvenile habitats for a variety of fishes that inhabit the continental shelf. In this study, collections of larval fishes were made during springtime over the continental slope to provide insights into larval distributions and transport. Ichthyoplankton composition and distribution mirrored the physical complexity of the region. Three larval fish assemblages were defined, each with different water mass distributions. A Gulf Stream assemblage was found predominantly in the Gulf Stream and associated with filaments of discharged Gulf Stream water in the Slope Sea. Larvae of this assemblage originated from oceanic and shelf regions south of Cape Hatteras. Several members of this assemblage utilize habitats in the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) as juveniles (Pomatomus saltatrix, Peprilus triacanthus) and other members of the assemblage may share this life cycle (Mugil curema, Sphyraena borealis, Urophycis regia). A Slope Sea assemblage was found in all water masses, and was composed of epi‐ and mesopelagic fish larvae, as well as larvae of benthic shelf/slope residents. Larvae of one member of this assemblage (U. tenuis) are spawned in the Slope Sea but cross the shelf‐slope front and use nearshore habitats for juvenile nurseries. A MAB shelf assemblage was found in MAB shelf water and was composed of larvae that were spawned on the shelf. Some of these species may cross into the Slope Sea before returning to MAB shelf habitats (e.g. Enchelyopus cimbrius, Glyptocephalus cynoglossus). Previous studies have examined the effect of warm‐core rings on larval distributions, but this study identifies the importance of smaller‐scale features of the MAB shelf/slope front and of filaments associated with Gulf Stream meanders. In combination with these advective processes, the dynamic nature of larval distributions in the Slope Sea appears to be influenced, to varying degrees, by both vertical and horizontal behaviour of larvae and pelagic juveniles themselves.     

Seasonal changes in distribution and abundance of euphausiids in the coastal area of north-eastern Japan

ABSTRACT:   Seasonal changes in distribution and abundance of euphausiids off south-eastern Hokkaido (41°−43°N), Sanriku (38°−41°N), and Joban (36°−38°N) were investigated using cylindrical-conical nets every two months from March 1997 to February 1998. Twenty-six species of seven genera of euphausiids occurred during the survey. Among them, subarctic-transitional Euphausia pacifica was the most abundant throughout the year in coastal waters, as their relative contribution to the total abundance of euphausiids was 89–92%. This species occurred in each coastal water throughout the survey and was abundant from winter to early summer (February–June) off Sanriku and Joban and in autumn in south-eastern Hokkaido. Thysanoessa inspinata occurred off south-eastern Hokkaido and Sanriku throughout the survey, mainly in spring (April) but rarely occurred off Joban. Three other subarctic Thysanoessa species occurred mainly off south-eastern Hokkaido from winter to spring. Conversely, warm- and transitional-water epipelagic species occurred exclusively off Sanriku and Joban in autumn. The characteristics of seasonal distributional patterns of euphausiids are discussed in relation to the spatial and temporal changes of oceanographic conditions and several predators off north-eastern Japan.     

Distribution, abundance and biological interactions of the cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus in the southern Brazil subtropical convergence ecosystem

The distribution, abundance and biological interactions of the cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus in the southern Brazil subtropical convergence ecosystem were studied from demersal trawl surveys conducted along the continental shelf and upper slope from Cape Santa Marta Grande (28 °36′S) to Chui (34 °45′S) between 1981 and 1987. Trichiurus lepturus was more abundant at bottom water temperatures of over 16 °C and in the 40–120 m depth range. From late spring to fall, juveniles of 5–30 cm total length (TL) were found in coastal waters, subadults (TL 30–70 cm) mainly in inner shelf waters and adults (TL > 70 cm) in coastal, inner and outer shelf waters. Higher catches of subadults and adults were found associated with thermal fronts in the western boundary of the Subtropical Convergence or with a shelf break upwelling observed in summer. The standing stock in a 58 000 km² shelf area estimated by the swept area method, ranged from 3066 t (±46% CI) in September 1981 to 37814 t (±22% CI) in January 1982. Correlation between occurrences of different size groups of cutlassfishes and other fishes caught in 250 bottom trawl hauls was analyzed. A positive correlation between cutlassfish and juvenile weakfish, Cynoscion guatucupa, was associated with similar spatial distribution but also indicated trophic competition.     

Exchange and flux of larval fishes across the western Gulf Stream front south of Cape Hatteras, USA, in winter

To describe exchange and to frame the magnitude of the flux of larval fishes across the Gulf Stream front in winter, collections were taken on the inshore and offshore sides of the frontal zone in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995, off Onslow Bay, North Carolina. Collections yielded larval fishes representing 75 families. Of these, the larvae of the families Gonostomatidae or Phosichthyidae consistently occurred on both sides of the frontal zone, yet are exclusively of mesopelagic, deep-oceanic origin; hence, they indicate Gulf Stream-to-shelf water-exchange. The larvae of the clupeid, Brevoortia tyrannus , and the sciaenid, Leiostomus xanthurus , occurred on both sides of the frontal zone, yet spawn on the outer continental shelf in or near the Gulf Stream front; hence these taxa indicate shelf-to-Gulf Stream water-exchange. The mechanisms of exchange, as indicated by the distribution of heat and salt across the front, along with satellite images of sea-surface temperature, were not completely resolved, largely because of the two-dimensional ( x , z ) rather than three-dimensional ( x , y , z ) coordination employed. The observed distributions of indicator taxa did not always conform with expected, given the distribution of heat and salt across the front. Parcels of water exchanged across the front upstream (to the south) and encountered during observation along the cross-shelf transects explains the lack of conformity. Where the expected and observed distributions agreed, the flux was 0.0009 larvae m⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the indicators of Gulf Stream-to-shelf exchange, and 0.0007–0.0030 larvae m⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the indicators of shelf-to-Gulf Stream exchange.     

Seasonal changes in respiration rates of copepodite stage V Calanus finmarchicus (Gunnerus)

Copepodite stage V Calanus finmarchicus were collected at locations on the continental shelf north of Scotland, in the Faroe–Shetland Channel and west of Ireland on six occasions covering winter, spring and summer from October 1993 to June 1995. Oxygen consumption by the overwintering and active spring/summer population of animals was determined at temperatures close to in situ temperatures. Laboratory measurements of oxygen consumption were also made at standardized temperatures (0°C, 5°C, 7°C and 12.5°C) to determine the sensitivity of animals to temperature change in the different seasons. Rates of oxygen consumption were very low (7–30 μmol O₂ gC⁻¹ h⁻¹) at in situ temperatures during the winter and early spring and significantly higher (105–219 μmol O₂ gC⁻¹ h⁻¹) for the active surface population in May and June. Animals collected from the overwintering population showed no significant response to changes in temperature. Due to the low respiration rates, the calculated rate of decrease in carbon content in diapausing copepodite stage CV was very low (approximately 0.250 μgC day⁻¹). The respiration rates were used to construct a model to estimate survival of the animals with an initial carbon content equivalent to that expected of animals in October. The results showed that in order to survive during winter and have enough energy for moulting and migration to the surface in the spring, these animals have to live at temperatures close to 0°C and be in a diapause state.     

Spatial and temporal distribution and abundance of European hake, Merluccius merluccius, eggs and larvae in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean)

Plankton hauls were conducted on five surveys from November 1998 to November 1999 to study the spatial distribution of eggs and larvae of European hake off Catalonia (NW Mediterranean Sea). Also CTD casts to record hydrographic parameters were carried out on a closely spaced station grid. Merluccius merluccius eggs and larvae appeared mainly in late spring, summer and autumn surveys and were very scarce in winter. Strong differences in terms of egg and larval densities were observed between the two November surveys, which could be attributed to the anomalous hydrographic situation during November 1998. M. merluccius egg and larvae were mainly distributed over the continental shelf, with peak abundances between the 100 m isobath and the edge of the shelf. On the evidence of larval size frequency distributions in the different sampling sectors and the closely overlapping distribution patterns for the eggs and the adult spawning stock, drifting of hake eggs and larvae was not a major factor. The larval distribution extended only slightly further offshore than the egg distribution. Using the hydrographic information and the larval distribution data, an attempt was made to relate the different seasonal productivity levels over the spawning period and the distribution of the larvae.     

Transport and survival of larvae of pelagic fishes in Kuroshio system region estimated with Lagrangian drifters

ABSTRACT:   Transport and survival of larvae of pelagic fishes in the Kuroshio system region were studied using Lagrangian drifter data recorded from 1990 to 2003. A large portion of the drifters from the Kuroshio area south of Japan spread around the Kuroshio Extension up to 170°E, while some moved south to the offshore area of the Kuroshio because of a recirculation gyre. The monthly mean eastward movement from areas south of Japan was approximately 800–900 km, which was smaller than previous numerical estimates. The results of a survival model assuming optimal temperatures for larvae suggest that surface waters during the observation period were too warm for larval Japanese sardine, which has an optimal temperature of 16°C, and the adult abundances did not increase during the observation period. In contrast, the spawning ground temperatures and transport conditions from an area south-west of Japan in April–June matched the requirement for the larval Japanese anchovy, which has an optimal temperature of 22°C. The combined effects of temperature variations due to seasonality and water mass mixing are suggested to play an important role in determining the environmental temperatures that occur in an area.     

Larval fish assemblages and mesoscale oceanographic structure along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) is of high ecological and economic importance to the western Caribbean region, and contains spawning sites for a number of reef fish species. Despite this, little is known of the distribution and transport of pelagic fish larvae in the area, and basic in situ information on larval fish assemblages is lacking. Here we describe the results of two biological oceanography research cruises conducted in winter‐spring of 2006 and 2007, focusing on larval fish assemblages. We use multivariate assemblage analyses to examine vertical and horizontal distribution characteristics of larval fish assemblages, to highlight key distinguishing taxa, and to relate these to the observed oceanographic structure. Our results showed a general separation between the Gulf of Honduras region, which was characterized by weaker currents and high abundances of inshore and estuarine taxa (Eleotridae, Priacanthidae), and the northern MBRS, which was subject to strong northward flow and contained a mixture of mesopelagic and reef‐associated taxa (Myctophidae, Sparidae). Although distinct patterns of vertical distribution were observed among taxa, both shallow and deep living larvae were broadly distributed throughout the study area. Analysis of historical drifter tracks highlighted the strong northward flow and low retention conditions typically present along the northern MBRS, as well as potential connectivity between the western Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.     

The ascent migration of Calanus finmarchicus from overwintering depths in the Faroe–Shetland Channel

The Faroe–Shetland Channel is an important overwintering area for the copepod Calanus finmarchicus in the north-east Atlantic. Stage V copepodites descend to depths of greater than 600 m, where they remain in an arrested development state (diapause) until the following spring. The ascent of the copepods back to the surface waters in the spring was investigated by six surveys in the Faroe–Shetland Channel between October 1993 and May 1995. In February, the first animals emerged from diapause and moulted to become stage VI males; these ascended to depths of 300–500 m. Females constituted a higher proportion of animals that emerged later in the season and these ascended through the layer of males, presumably mating on the way, and proceeded to the upper 100 m to begin spawning in March. Emergence was not synchronous in the population, and was estimated to occur over a 60–70 day period beginning around 10 February. The mean ascent rate of individuals was estimated to be 15–20 m day^–1, so that for any individual the ascent from a mean overwintering depth of 800 m to a depth of 100 m took between 35 and 47 days. The ascent migration resulted in the mass transfer of the C. finmarchicus stock from its overwintering habitat in the cold southerly flowing Norwegian Sea Deep Water of Arctic origin to warm northerly flowing Atlantic water masses. The extent of asynchrony suggests that emergence is probably not triggered by environmental cues. An alternative hypothesis for regulation of the life cycle is proposed that involves reduced development rates during the winter.     

Intra‐annual patterns of coastal larval fish assemblages along environmental gradients in the northeastern Mediterranean

To date, little is known about the larval‐fish assemblages (LFAs) in the eastern Mediterranean. The purpose of this study is to investigate the intra‐annual variations of LFAs with an emphasis on the effects of physical, chemical, biological and meteorological conditions in the gulf of Iskenderun, which is a shallow (100 m maximum depth), semi‐enclosed bay located in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean. The gulf is under the influence of offshore waters throughout the year. The study was based on an ichthyoplankton survey program performed at 28 stations over 12 months, between November 2009 and October 2010. During the study, a total of 11,411 larval individuals belonging to 177 taxa were sampled. The jackknife estimate of maximum species richness was 225 ± 19 for the study area. The maximum larval richness (84 species) and abundance (827 larvae/10 m²) values coincided with spring bloom in April. Gobiids dominated the ichthyoplankton of Iskenderun Bay by constituting 9% of species richness and 42% of total individuals. Four LFAs were identified which were in early winter (November to January), late winter (February and March), spring (April to June) and summer (July to October). The intra‐annual variations of richness, abundance and composition of ichthyoplankton were significantly correlated with the temperature and mesozooplankton biomass. The wind conditions and thermal stratification were also significantly correlated with the composition of LFAs. In conclusion, phenology of LFAs were formed under the influence of physical and tropho‐dynamic conditions in Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean.     

夏季台湾海峡北部及邻近海域鱼类群落结构及环境解释

根据2014年7月台湾海峡中部、北部及邻近水域渔业资源底拖网调查资料,分析了该水域的鱼类群落结构,包括种类组成、区系特点、优势种、多样性及空间分布等,探讨了鱼类群落结构与环境因子的关系,并阐述了鱼类群落的群聚结构。结果表明,调查海域共捕获鱼类84种,隶属于16目、48科、69属。从种类数上看,适温类型以暖水种为主,区系类型以大陆架浅水底层鱼类以及大陆架岩礁性鱼类为主;从生物量组成上看,区系类型则以大陆架浅水中低层鱼类为主。优势种为带鱼(Trichiurus japonicus)和七星底灯鱼(Benthosema pterotum),合计渔获质量占总渔获质量的46.92%,对总渔获质量的回归贡献值分别为0.30和0.62;高生物量区集中分布在台湾海峡北口海域,在空间上表现为明显的生态位重叠。层次聚类分析将群落优势物种划分为2个主要的生态类型:沿海类型和广布类型,沿海类型的代表性物种包括龙头鱼、黄鲫、鳓;广布类型物种有带鱼、窄颅带鱼、七星底灯鱼、竹荚鱼、刺鲳、麦氏犀鳕。Shannon-Wiener多样性、Pielou均匀度和Margalef丰富度的变化范围分别为0.22~2.31、0.11~0.72、0.36~4.04,平均值分别为1.44、0.51、1.59,丰富度与总渔获质量表现为显著负相关(r=?0.65),与深度显著正相关(r=0.48)。物种?环境典范对应分析表明,与物种空间结构关系密切的影响因子为底盐、底层无机氮、底温、表底温差和水深;而影响群落优势群体分布的因子为底温、底盐和底层无机氮。     

Influence of mesoscale eddies on ichthyoplankton assemblages in the Gulf of Alaska

Mesoscale eddies (100–200 km in diameter) propagating along the shelf‐break in the Gulf of Alaska are ubiquitous and have been shown to influence the ecosystem, but their influence on ichthyoplankton species composition and diversity has not been described. Evidence for larval fish entrainment in these eddies was examined using data from a cruise in 2005 that sampled three eastern Gulf of Alaska mesoscale eddies, and sampling that compared shelf to slope ichthyoplankton assemblages in the northern Gulf of Alaska (2002–2004). Hierarchical cluster analysis of oceanographic data showed that stations grouped according to location within an eddy. Species hierarchical cluster analysis revealed a latitudinal turnover in species composition, and an abundant species group. Species richness was correlated with distance from eddy center (P = 0.00025), and assemblages within eddies were significantly different (P < 0.05) from those in surrounding basin and shelf waters. These results suggest that mesoscale eddies propagating along the continental shelf‐break influence larval fish assemblages over the shelf and slope, which has implications for the timing and extent of larval fish distribution in the Gulf of Alaska.