Zooplankton Vertical Distribution in Davis Strait and Baffin Bay

Data from two Hudson research cruises in 1980 and 1983 detail the vertical distribution of zooplankton species in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. The collection includes fine-scale biological samples with associated temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, phaeophytin, and nutrient measurements. Fisheries and Oceans Canada compiled this data, which is formatted for the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS).

Use Cases

• Analyze vertical distribution patterns of specific zooplankton taxa like Calanus copepodites using depth profile data.
• Correlate species abundance or wet weight measurements with concurrent temperature and salinity profiles.
• Investigate relationships between zooplankton groups (identified to species or genus) and associated chlorophyll or nutrient data.
• Model habitat preferences for key Arctic zooplankton, such as chaetognaths, using the georeferenced sampling locations.

Strengths

• Includes simultaneous biological, temperature, and salinity data for ecological context.
• Taxonomic identification is detailed, with Copepoda identified to species and other groups to genus.
• Data collection used a standardized BIONESS sampler with 243u mesh nets for consistency.

Limitations

• Limited temporal scope, with data only from two cruises in 1980 and 1983.
• Sample size is constrained to the profiles taken during these two specific expeditions.
• Data is over 40 years old, which may limit analysis of current Arctic ecosystem states.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada BioChem database, formatted for OBIS Canada.

Collection Method

Plankton samples collected via BIONESS sampler, preserved in formaldehyde, and analyzed in lab. Environmental data collected simultaneously.

Time Range

July 29 to August 3, 1980 and August 7 to August 14, 1983.

Freshness

Data collection ended in August 1983; no updates are expected.

Geography

Baffin Bay and Davis Strait in the Arctic Ocean.