Changes in abundance and community structure of the zooplankton population during the 2008 mucilage event in the northeastern Marmara Sea

Abstract

The composition and abundance of zooplankton and the corresponding environmental conditions were investigated during the 2008 mucilage event (April-December 2008) in the Marmara Sea. As a result, 46 zooplanktonic taxa were identified. Copepods and cladocerans were generally the most abundant groups. Mnemiopsis leidyi had a significant seasonality, and abundance was related to fluctuations in temperature and salinity. The most important species were Acartia clausi and Penilia avirostris, but these species did not reach their usual autumn maximum. As a result, the mucilage event in 2008 caused significant shifts in zooplankton abundance and community structure in the Marmara Sea.