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An analysis of temporal variability in abundance, diversity and growth rates within the coastal ichthyoplankton assemblage of South Georgia (sub-Antarctic)

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Abstract

The study of spatial and temporal distribution and diversity of ichthyoplankton (fish eggs and larvae) can provide fisheries-independent information on the population dynamics and recruitment processes of marine fish species. Ichthyoplankton studies in the Southern Ocean have to date been largely constrained to the summer months. We analysed ichthyoplankton data collected from a year round, long term (2002–2008), plankton trawl sampling programme in a large fjord system (Cumberland Bay) at South Georgia, sub-Antarctic (54.25°S, 36.5°W) to assess temporal changes in larval fish diversity and abundance. Larvae of 22 species, representing nine families, were identified although three, Krefftichthys anderssoni (Myctophidae), Lepidonotothen nudifrons/Trematomus hansoni (Nototheniidae) and Champsocephalus gunnari (Channichthyidae), dominated abundance in all years. Significant seasonal and interannual differences in the larval fish assemblage were revealed by multivariate analyses. Estimates of larval growth are provided for five abundant species. Considerable inter-specific differences in relative larval growth rate were recorded but interannual variability within species was small. However, in the commercially important C. gunnari, multiple larval cohorts, representing a protracted spawning season, were observed to grow at different rates, and this may be related to temperature and/or food availability. A comparison with historical growth data from South Georgia suggests there has been little change in growth rate for the main species over the last three decades.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge our many BAS colleagues who have worked tirelessly at King Edward Point Research Station, South Georgia, to assist with the collection and identification of fish larvae. We also thank Jenny Rock (University of Otago) for input concerning the DNA barcoding of larval fish samples. The work was funded by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

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  1. British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK

    Mark Belchier & Jennifer Lawson

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  1. Mark Belchier
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Correspondence to Mark Belchier.

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Belchier, M., Lawson, J. An analysis of temporal variability in abundance, diversity and growth rates within the coastal ichthyoplankton assemblage of South Georgia (sub-Antarctic). Polar Biol 36, 969–983 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-013-1321-9

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