Life cycle strategies and controls (bottom-up versus top-down) of zooplankton dynamics

Copepods have developed a large spectrum of life cycle strategies to cope with the variety of environmental conditions in the pelagic. Their spatial and temporal occurrence depends on both intrinsic and environmental factors. Understanding their population dynamics and its controls requires knowledge on their biology and the functional response of vital rates (reproduction, growth) to varying environmental conditions. Lacking information on many aspects of copepod distribution and dynamics is due to insufficient sampling methodology. Therefore in addition to increased efforts in sampling with traditional methods there is need to develop and deploy instruments that sample fast over various scales and also can be used on mooring. In addition, sample analysis needs to be automated in order to provide information fast enough to support management decisions.

Approaches

Life cycle strategies of calanoid copepods in the Arctic Ocean and marginal seas, in the Baltic and North Seas, and in the eastern Pacific. Special emphasis is on overwintering strategies.

Top-down control: Role of invertebrate predators, especially jellies and mysids, and
Cannibalism as factors of mortality

Factors determining spatial and temporal distribution of calanoid copepods using classical and advanced technology

Development and application of new techniques to study zooplankton: Laser optical plankton counter, ZOOSCAN, Videoplankton recorder

Staff

Dr. Hans-Jürgen Hirche
Ulrike Holtz
Kristina Barz

Recent projects

Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics (GLOBEC) Germany

Onsight Key species Investigation System (OKIS)

Fluid partikel identification (FLUPID)