Interannual variability in bottom-up processes in the upstream range of the California Current system: An isotopic approach

The abundance and composition of zooplankton, fish and seabirds show dramatic interannual variability in temperate coastal regions. Understanding links between this variability and bottom-up processes is an important goal for biological oceanographers. Because zooplankton stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) are potentially influenced by variability in phytoplankton nutrient utilization, primary production, and zooplankton trophic structure, they have the potential to elucidate links between bottom-up processes, food web structure, and abundance or species composition of higher trophic levels. Here we measure correlations between zooplankton stable isotopes and oceanographic variables in two time series from the west coast of Vancouver Island, upstream of the California Current upwelling system. We then relate interannual variability in zooplankton stable isotopes to interannual variability in zooplankton species composition. Zooplankton stable isotopes show striking patterns of seasonal, regional and interannual variability. A strong positive correlation between annual averages of zooplankton δ15N and sea-surface temperature is evident in both time series. Zooplankton δ15N is also negatively correlated with interannual anomalies of subarctic copepod biomass in both time series. We propose two different mechanisms to explain these correlations: variability in the strength and direction of horizontal advection, or local fluctuations nutrient availability. We conclude that they are most likely caused by local, temperature-driven fluctuations in nitrate concentrations and primary production. We show that the positive correlation between zooplankton δ15N and temperature is widespread, extending to regions outside of the California Current system. Our findings suggest that interannual variability in zooplankton composition is linked with bottom-up variability in nitrate availability and primary production in the upstream portion of the California Current system. Our results also highlight the potential of integrating biochemical parameters in zooplankton time series for elucidating links between bottom-up processes and the survival of higher trophic levels in the ocean.

► We investigate links between zooplankton isotopes and environmental variables.
► Our study took place in the Northern California upwelling (west coast of Vancouver Island).
► δ15N is strongly correlated with SST, and δ13C is sometimes weakly correlated with chlorophyll.
► Stable isotopes show significant interannual variability.
► Zooplankton stable isotopes integrate bottom up variability in the Northern California upwelling.