Ichthyoplankton distribution and plankton production related to the shelf break front at the Avilés Canyon

Abstract

Abstract The overall objective of this study was to search for spatial differences in primary production and its transference towards larval fish related with the distribution of water masses at shelf break of the Avilés Canyon. High primary production and ichthyoplankton abundance were associated with a shelf break front at the Avilés Canyon. Egg distributions of Scomber scombrus, Sardina pilchardus and Trachurus trachurus, coupled with topography, the associated physical structure and phytoplankton productivity, suggested adaptive spawning strategies. The distribution of copepod stages, which are considered the trophic link between primary producers and fish larvae, was not related with the position of the front. Moreover, the egg production of two abundant species (Calanus helgolandicus and Acartia clausi) was not significantly related with phytoplankton abundance and productivity.