Krill Abundance and Life-Cycle Data from Prydz Bay

Net sampling data details the distribution, abundance, and life-cycle stages of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and related zooplankton in Prydz Bay. The dataset includes measurements from four marine science cruises conducted between 1981 and 1985 by the Australian Antarctic Division. It contains specific metrics such as individual counts per 1000 cubic metres, biomass percentages, larval development stages, and female spawning data from shipboard experiments.

Use Cases

• Model krill population dynamics using abundance data (individuals per 1000 cubic metres) and observed year-group lengths (24-53 mm).
• Analyze spawning behavior and fecundity from shipboard experiment data on egg counts (263-3662 eggs per female) and moulting cycle intervals.
• Study zooplankton community structure by comparing E. superba biomass (3.4% of total) with abundances of Thysanoessa macrura and Euphausia crystallorophias.
• Investigate larval dispersal patterns using data on larval age, development stages, and observed north-south variations in spawning.
• Assess seasonal spawning timing using observations of naupliar stages in January and adult maturation continuing to March.

Strengths

• Data spans four research cruises over a 5-year period (1981-1985).
• Includes specific quantitative metrics like mean abundance (6 individuals per 1000 cubic metres) and biomass percentage (3.4%).
• Contains detailed biological observations from controlled shipboard spawning experiments involving 60 female krill.

Limitations

• Overall krill abundance reported as low and patchy, with many January 1985 sites returning zero post-larval krill.
• Temporal coverage is limited to historical surveys from the 1980s, with no recent updates.
• Sample sizes for specific metrics, such as the 60 females in spawning experiments, may be limited for broad generalization.

Provenance

Source

Australian Antarctic Division (AU_AADC) via NASA Earthdata.

Collection Method

Net sampling surveys from marine science cruises and controlled shipboard spawning experiments.

Time Range

1981 to 1985

Freshness

null

Geography

Prydz Bay region, Antarctica