The ecology of the plankton fauna in the Gulf of Bothnia

Abstract: The geographical distribution of the Gulf of Bothnia zooplankton species is presented together with observations of abundancies and vertical distributions. The historical development of this plankton community in the last 70 years is discussed.Spring and summer development of the plankton fauna was studiedin the Bothnian Bay. Compared to in southern parts of the Balticit could be shown that the start of development in spring formany species was only moderately later in the Bothnian Bay. Theperiod of maximal biomass was in late summer and autumn.In a study of horizontal distribution large between-station variations were found. These variations were not random as close stations formed homogenous groups. Several cases of patchiness were established. Systematically appearing differences in age-distributions were proposed as a factor in the formation of patchiness.The selective prédation on zooplankton by Baltic herring was studied in the Bothnian Bay. Besides chosing certain species herring selects the older and larger stages of these species. Egg-bearing Eurytemora females were more heavily preyed upon than the males.From literature information and own observations it was proposed that in sence of production the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea are two very different systems. Climatic effects cause a delay of primary production in spring enabling the pelagic consumers to develop in phase with the producers in the Bothnian Bay. Contrary to systems with a spring peak in phytoplankton growth this situation will lead to high pelagial efficiency leaving little to feed the benthic communities.