The temporal and spatial distribution of krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) at the deep seabed of the Faroe–Shetland Channel, UK: A potential mechanism for rapid carbon flux to deep sea communities

Hirai, Junya; Jones, Daniel O.B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5218-1649. 2012 The temporal and spatial distribution of krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) at the deep seabed of the Faroe–Shetland Channel, UK: A potential mechanism for rapid carbon flux to deep sea communities. Marine Biology Research, 8 (1). 48-60. https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2011.594891

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Abstract/Summary

The temporal and spatial distribution of Meganyctiphanes norvegica near the seabed (<5 m above the seafloor) was investigated using remotely operated vehicle (ROV) video footage from eight sites in the Faroe–Shetland Channel. Meganyctiphanes norvegica was most abundant near the seabed at 400–600 m depth, which corresponds to a temperature transitional region between shallower warmer water and deeper cold water. Densities of M. norvegica were significantly lower in the warm water, and no krill were detected at 900–1500 m depth in the cold water. Meganyctiphanes norvegica densities declined at night owing to daily vertical migrations. Time-series analysis showed higher krill densities at 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00 at a depth of 400–480 m and at 12:00–15:00 at a depth of 600 m. A great reduction in krill abundance in winter was detected from both ROV surveys and continuous plankton recorder records. Meganyctiphanes norvegica was observed feeding on benthic particulate organic matter on the seafloor and being consumed by benthic and epibenthic predators. The maximum density of M. norvegica at 480 m depth was 596 ± 261 individuals m–3. This represents a standing stock of 12.8 ± 5.6 g C m–3 with an egestion rate of 0.63 ± 0.28 g C m–3 day–1. Meganyctiphanes norvegica potentially provides an important source of carbon for communities in the deep waters of the Faroe–Shetland Channel.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2011.594891
Programmes:	NOC Programmes
ISSN:	17451000
Additional Keywords:	Carbon flux, distribution, Faroe-Shetland Channel, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, ROV imaging, vertical migration
Date made live:	10 Jan 2012 10:37 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/307495

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2011.594891

Programmes:

NOC Programmes

ISSN:

17451000

Additional Keywords:

Carbon flux, distribution, Faroe-Shetland Channel, Meganyctiphanes norvegica, ROV imaging, vertical migration

Date made live:

10 Jan 2012 10:37 +0 (UTC)