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Spatio-temporal distribution and abundance of Euphausia crystallorophias in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) during austral summer

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Abstract

Average abundance values for Euphausia crystallorophias in the shelf region of Terra Nova Bay were generally high. Mean number of adults and juveniles were 20 and 87 ind/m2, respectively, while larval concentrations were much higher, reaching a mean of 14,764 ind/m2. Euphausia crystallorophias were very patchy in their distribution during all stages of their life cycle. The distribution patterns of E. crystallorophias in TNB seem to be strictly correlated both to hydrological features such as the presence of polynyas, pack-ice zone and certain temperatures values. According to our data, E. crystallorophias spawned from early October to early January. For the two age groups (0+ and 1+) an average growth rate of 0.074 and 0.076 mm/day was found, respectively. The mean biomass of larval E. crystallorophias (from Metanauplius to Furcilia I) in January was estimated as 84 mg WW/m2.

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Acknowledgments

Logistical and financial support for this paper was given by the Italian National Project for Antarctic Research (PNRA). Many thanks go to officers and crew of the research vessel Polar Queen and to technicians involved in the BIONESS sampling procedures for their excellent cooperation in field work.

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  1. Dipartimento di Biologia Animale ed Ecologia Marina, Università di Messina, Salita Sperone 31, 98166, Messina, Italy

    Letterio Guglielmo, P. Donato, G. Zagami & A. Granata

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  2. P. Donato
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Correspondence to Letterio Guglielmo.

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This article belongs to a special topic: Five articles on Sea-ice communities in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea), coordinated by L. Guglielmo and V. Saggiomo, appear in this issue of Polar Biology. The studies were conducted in the frame of the National Program of Research in Antarctica (PNRA) of Italy.

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Guglielmo, L., Donato, P., Zagami, G. et al. Spatio-temporal distribution and abundance of Euphausia crystallorophias in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica) during austral summer. Polar Biol 32, 347–367 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-008-0546-5

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