Mesozooplankton Distribution and Composition on the Northeastern Coast of Taiwan during Autumn: Effects of the Kuroshio Current and Hydrothermal Vents

Abstract

Many studies of mesozooplankton communities have been performed around Taiwan, except in northeastern waters where studies are still few. The mesozooplankton distribution and abundance were studied in coastal waters of northeastern Taiwan, including around Kueishan I., in autumn 2009. Samples were collected with a 333-μm-mesh net towed horizontally at 2 m of depth at 7 stations along the coast. Mesozooplankton abundance and diversity were high. Noctiluca sp. and copepods were the most important components of the zooplankton community. The Kuroshio Current showed a significant impact on the zooplankton composition since the most frequently found and dominant species (Canthocalanus pauper, Clausocalanus arcuicornis, Cla. furcatus, Paracalanus aculeatus, P. nanus, Temora turbinata, Oncaea conifera, and Onc. venusta) were common in Kuroshio waters. However, zooplankton associations distinguished three groups of stations, mainly due to the impact of hydrothermal vents. This study showed that the distribution and composition of mesozooplankton in coastal waters of northeastern Taiwan are highly influenced by the Kuroshio Current and by the presence of hydrothermal vents around Kueishan I.