Seasonal Changes of Zooplankton Species and Groups Composition in Iskenderun Bay (North East Levantine, Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

This study was carried out between January 2002 and November 2002 in the northern part of Iskenderun Bay (off shore of Yumurtalik-Kokar Cape) in the northeastern Mediterranean to determine seasonal changes of zooplankton. Samples were collected seasonally at 13 sations using WP2 net of 200 urn mesh by vertical and horizantal hauls. 29 species of copepods, 4 species of cladocera, 11 groups of holoplankton and 9 groups of meroplankton were determined in spring; 17 species of copepods, 4 species of cladocera and 8 groups of holoplankton and meroplankton, respectively, were determined in summer; 23 species of copepods, 2 species of cladocera, 10 groups of holoplankton and 7 groups of meroplankton were determined in autumn and 34 species of copepods, 12 groups of holoplankton and 7 groups of meroplankton were determined in winter. Lessepsian species were recorded in the area such as Calanopia elliptica, Labidocera pavo, Pontellina plumata, Centropages furcatus.