Temporal and spatial variability in a copepod community off St Helena Bay in 2000/1

• Main Author: Tukwayo, Philiswa P
• Other Authors: Moloney, Coleen
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2014
• Subjects: Zoology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/6204

Bibliography: leaves 34-39. === The driving forces behind changes in copepod community structure in the Benguela upwelling region are examined. For this study, monthly changes in copepod size structure and species composition were examined at St Helena Bay in 2000/1 in relation to upwelling, phytoplankton and fish. The copepod assemblage was dominated by large species categories in the early period of recruitment (April) and smaller species categories in the late period of recruitment (August). The reappearance of large species categories and increase in copepod biomass is observed in summer months. This is attributed to both predation and upwelling intensity. Arguments are developed to suggest that the copepod size. structure is consistent with 'wasp-waist' control and 'bottom-up' control was responsible for the copepod increase.