Population dynamics and production of Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) in the northern East China Sea in summer

Abstract

Population dynamics and production of Calanus sinicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) was investigated at 15 stations in the northern East China Sea in July 2006. The biomass and somatic production of C. sinicus were measured. The copepodites and adults of C. sinicus occurred at the most of stations. The biomass of C. sinicus ranged from 0.24 to 11.41 mgC m–3 (mean 4.34 mgC m–3), which was higher in the western part of the study area. The estimated somatic production of C. sinicus was 0.03~1.40 mgC m–3 day–1 (mean 0.50 mgC m–3 day–1). In this study, the somatic production of C. sinicus was positively correlated with temperature while there was no significant correlation with the Chl-a concentration. This study investigates the population dynamics and production of C. sinicus, one of the major copepods, and helps to understand the ecological role of C. sinicus in the northern East China Sea.