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A Short-Term Study of Vertical and Horizontal Distribution of Zooplankton During Thermal Stratification in Lake Kinneret, Israel

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Abstract

This study documents for the first time both vertical and horizontal distribution patterns of the zooplankton community in Lake Kinneret during the period of thermal stratification. The zooplankton distribution patterns were explored in relation to abiotic (temperature, oxygen) and biotic (picocyanobacteria, ciliates, flagellates, phytoplankton, fish) environmental gradients. Sampling was carried out on 6–7 July 1992 at five stations and six depths from nearshore to offshore. Zooplankton abundance and biomass varied from 5 to 267 ind. l−1(mean: 95 ind. l−1), and from 0.1 to 65 d.w. mg m−3(mean: 24 d.w. mg m−3). Zooplankton taxonomic groups (Rotifera, Cladocera, Cyclopoida, Calanoida) and size classes (micro-, meso- and macrozooplankton) showed peaks of maximal density and biomass in the epilimnetic and metalimnetic strata (5 and 14 m). Depth, accounting for 31–39% of total spatial variation, reflected the vertical distribution of zooplankton in relation to temperature and oxygen declines, and the higher concentration of food resources (protists and phytoplankton) in the epilimnion and metalimnion. Onshore–offshore distance, accounting for 17–22% of the total spatial variance, reflected different distribution patterns shown among zooplankton groups and size classes. The macrozooplankton (Copepoda, Cladocera) was more abundant offshore, whereas microzooplankton (Rotifera and nauplii) predominated nearshore. These horizontal distribution patterns were related to small increases in temperature and phytoplankton biomass, and higher concentrations of fish in the littoral zone. Although limited to a short temporal scale, our study indicated that zooplankton spatial distribution in Lake Kinneret during the period of thermal stratification was related to physicochemical, food and predation factors, manifested differently along the vertical and nearshore–offshore gradients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GRIL, Département de sciences biologiques, Université de Montreéal, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montreéal, Queé, H3C 3J7, Canada

    B. Pinel-Alloul1 & G. Méthot

  2. Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, the Yigal Allon Kinneret Limnological Laboratory, P.O. Box 345, Tiberias, 14102, Israel

    N. Z. Malinsky-Rushansky

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  1. B. Pinel-Alloul1
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  2. G. Méthot
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  3. N. Z. Malinsky-Rushansky
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Pinel-Alloul1, B., Méthot, G. & Malinsky-Rushansky, N.Z. A Short-Term Study of Vertical and Horizontal Distribution of Zooplankton During Thermal Stratification in Lake Kinneret, Israel. Hydrobiologia 526, 85–98 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:HYDR.0000041611.71680.fc

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