Distribution of Calanus species off Franz Josef Land (Arctic Barents Sea)

The spatial distribution of Calanus species was examined near Franz Josef Land archipelago in August 2006 and 2007. Surface and bottom water temperatures exceeded the average multiannual values. Calanus species dominated the total mesozooplankton abundance and biomass, accounting for 818 ± 178 individuals m−3 (mean ± SE) and 803 ± 163 mg wet weight (WW) m−3, respectively, in 2006. In 2007, the values were much lower (153 ± 29 individuals m−3 and 192 ± 17 mg WW m−3, respectively), reflecting the weaker influence of warm Atlantic water that year. Calanus glacialis dominated the Calanus populations, contributing 95% and 60% of the biomass in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Older copepodite stages (CIV–CV) predominated in the C. finmarchicus (69% and 76%, respectively) and C. hyperboreus populations (80% and 77%, respectively), whereas young copepodites (CI–CIII) were predominant in C. glacialis (45% and 59%, respectively). A clear negative relationship between the average water temperature and the total Calanus biomass was observed in 2006, whereas a positive correlation between these parameters was observed in 2007. The distributions of three Calanus species off Franz Josef Land were mainly associated with hydrological conditions and circulation patterns.

► The spatial distribution of Calanus species was examined near Franz Josef Land.
► Calanus dominated the total mesozooplankton abundance and biomass.
► The values were lower in 2007 than in 2006 reflecting the water cooling.
► The total biomass in 2006 was negatively correlated with water temperature.
► Distribution of Calanus was associated with hydrological conditions and circulation.