Ingestion rates of phytoplankton by copepod size fractions on a bloom associated with an off-shelf front off NW Spain

Herbivory by copepods was studied from the coast towards the ocean, during a bloom in May 1994 off NW Spain. Ingestion rates were estimated by the gut chlorophyll content method in three size fractions. The chlorophyll content displayed significant daily cycles. Three different water bodies were described: coastal, shelf break and oceanic; the latter two zones separated by a thermohaline frontal structure. Marked differences in plankton species composition, vertical distribution and biological rates were found between zones. The highest phytoplankton biomass, dominated by chain-forming diatoms, occurred in the oceanic zone associated with low primary production rates. Copepod feeding had a low effect on oceanic phytoplankton; up to 0.2% of carbon stock and <3% of carbon production was consumed daily. In contrast, medium-sized and large copepods removed 3% of carbon stock and 12% of primary production daily near the coast, where phytoplankton were dominated by small flagellates in active growth. The highest variability in both plankton composition and ingestion rates was found in the shelf-break zone, probably due to displacements of the front. Copepods exerted a moderate predation pressure on phytoplankton in coastal waters. Meanwhile, the impact of copepods on the offshore bloom was negligible and the fate of the accumulated particulate carbon would be mostly determined by sedimentation and water dynamics.