Seasonal and interannual variation in the planktonic communities of the northeastern Chukchi Sea during the summer and early fall

► Eighty taxonomic categories of zooplankton were observed in the study area; most are of Pacific Ocean affinity. ► Contribution of meroplankton was substantial. ► The seasonal progression of the community structure appears to be moderated by sea-ice and temperature. ► The planktonic community shows large interannual variability.