Spatial structure of the zooplankton community in the coastal upwelling system off central-southern Chile in spring 2004 as assessed by automated image analysis

► Spatial patterns of zooplankton relate to its size spectra in upwelling systems. ► Zooplankton size spectra distribution are coupled to upwelling-driven variables. ► ZooImage automated system is a valuable tool to extract zooplankton spatial patterns. ► This work provides insights to understand mechanisms structuring pelagic communities.