Evaluating size-based indices to monitor variation in Scotian Shelf zooplankton assemblages.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 74
ISBN-13: 9780494164013
Description: Zooplankton size data were collected with an optical plankton counter (OPC) across the Scotian Shelf region of the NW Atlantic Ocean. Using the data acquired by the OPC, eight size-based indices were proposed to characterize zooplankton community structure. The indices consisted of three simple size metrics (e.g. arithmetic mean) and five metrics derived from two size spectra approaches (Pareto and Normalized Biomass Size Spectrum). The metrics were analyzed to evaluate their ability to detect variations, temporally and spatially, in assemblages found in different water column layers and water masses. The Pareto slope and NBSS curvature provided discrimination of zooplankton community structure among years in which hydro-climatic extremes were recorded. Principal component analyses suggest that spatial differences among assemblages can be reflected through a simple size index and a size-spectra-related parameter. A simple size metric used simultaneously with the Pareto slope is recommended for optimal characterization and monitoring of zooplankton assemblages.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-06, page: 2724.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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